Don't know who to turn to

[Jaycee]

Hello
My mum is 86 and I think she may have dementia.
Have spoken to my GP but she just nods and puts it down to old age.

Everytime Mum has been in hospital (had 3 fractures in 12 months due to falls and just recently had a mastectomy) she hallucinates but I'm very worried because she imagines I have men in my bedroom every night and hears voices even conversations which is NOT happening. This has gone on everyday for 4 weeks now.
I've tried reasoning with her but she just won't believe me.
Mum yells at me and calls me terrible names.

There is just the two of us here and I feel I can't cope anymore.

I have CA (Cerebellar Ataxia). Am a nervous wreck.

Any suggestions please.

[Jo6]

close by to give you a little respite? You may need more than a little help, but don't be shy in asking for help. I'm glad you stopped by, but I have to run do some errands, but be back later. Hang in there Jaycee. We are here to support each other. Will be back later. Jo

[Buttons2]

I agree about asking for some help. Also,is your mum on any drugs right now?

[rumpled]

Get another GP - or rather look around for a doc that is a geriactric specialist so they know what they are doing.
Look for organizations around you to that are for alzheimers - they may have tips that will help you. Not only for doctors but for other assistance that she may qualify for.
You may need full time care for her. And need a lawyer to get her papers in order. Good luck.

[Jo6]

My MIL's Neuro told us a long time ago to avoid any kind of surgery if possible. He said it could cause hallucinatesions, imagining things, say like your company? He also said as an Alzheimer's patient it could set her back to never recover to pre-surgery state.

My own mom had brain cancer. They told her she needed surgery in order to live more than 3 or 4 at most weeks to live, the tumor was large but it needed to come out of not have it and he would make sure to keep her pain free til the end. Mom chose to have the surgery. It was cancer, the Dr. had felt sure it wasn't. Well, Dr. was wrong.

Mom wou;d imagine all sorts of things, try to eat fake fruit basket, eat her napkin etc. It was very sad to watch. Jaycee, it sounds like you are very ill yourself. Do they have Hospis Housing where you live? that may be a thought to look into.
If you are interested I would be glad to look into this for you, just some things to think about. You have to keep your own health well as possible. I do hope your mum will get back at least some of what she lost in the surgery's. I'm no Dr. that is for sure. I just want to help, just like all others on this board.

Keep us posed, ok? We all care, Jo

[Jo6]

Jennifer is right in what she posted. Jen, hope MIL is in no pain. Take care, jo

[Tootsie]

Jaycee, have you talked to your GP or social service agencies about your concern for your mother? There are many different kinds of dementia and some are reversible if they are due to medication, or a medical problem. Things like thyroid deficiency, anemia, supplements can all contribute to problems of dementia. Once the physical problem is resolved, things can return to normal. That is why it is so very important to have all these things checked by a doctor before assuming that the symptoms are due to Alzheimer's Disease.

Surely there must be some type of agency in Australia that offers supportive services to the elderly and infirm. I do not know what they would be called there but we have Councils on Aging in most communities and Adult Social Services in each county. Ask them for assistance in planning for your mom. Cheerio.

[rumpled]

That is true.. a friend of mine had her mom going through a horrible spell and it turned out to be a vitamin B12 deficeincy! Some shots, a change in diet and she turned around. So get her in for a complete panel of bloodwork, too.