I don’t like posting stuff like this on a forum since folks tend to rely on answers to diagnose their problem. I’m not trying to do that. I am just looking for folks that have had similar circumstances that could provide some insight so I can put these in front of my mom’s doctor.

Background: My dad passed away about three months ago. He and my mom were married for 53 years and were soul mates. My dad had bypass surgery back in Nov ’04 and struggled with his health ever since until he passed. Helpless to do anything about it, this was taking an obvious toll on my mom’s health. Sometime during the last 5 years of my dad’s life my mom (who is 74) started showing signs of short-term memory loss. She was a very organized person, always cooked for every party and event they had at their house (which was many). Then she became less organized to the point others had to starting doing all the cooking and such. Then we noticed her walk was more of a shuffle. She blamed on a gimpy hip.

After my dad’s death my mom refused to leave her house and lived there for about a month. I think this was a big turning point as her walking became more struggled and her short term memory was getting significantly worse. She got to the point where she couldn’t even leave the house, and was falling often. She finally realized she couldn’t stay in the house. She came to live with me and my family until we could get her into assisted living.

While she stayed with me I could observe her.

- When walking she would reach for things (like walls, doorknobs, tabletops, etc…) to help her keep her balance, but would reach out before she was actually close enough to reach it. She had problems figuring out how to negotiate around certain objects: like getting around the end table to get to the couch and getting herself positioned properly in front of the couch before sitting down (she would often sit on the arm of the couch and slide into position).

- Having conversations with her were, for the most part, normal except she would repeat things; but seem to have no problem recalling older information.

- Performing mental skills: She seems to have lost the concept of doing crossword puzzles She loved reading but shows no interest in that anymore. She loved to cook but I believe she does not know how to anymore. Even using the TV remote control is a challenge for her.

We (my brothers and I) took my mom to several doctors and she’s had several cognitive tests done, CT Scans and an MRI on her head, and lots of blood work. All tests have ruled out dementia or Alzheimer’s at this point.

So her symptoms are:

- Short term memory loss that has been noticeable for about 3 years
- Sudden loss of motor skills like walking and negotiating around objects
- Sudden loss of ability to handle mental challenges like crosswords, reading and cooking
- Chronic diarrhea

Although dementia or Alzheimer’s has been ruled out, it’s still possible she could have this and future tests will reveal this; but her symptoms are quickly getting worse that is not indicative of dementia or Alzheimer’s. She is now at a point where she requires 24 hour surveillance for fear that she might fall.

This seems to have baffled everyone at this point, so I am posting on here for anyone that has had similar circumstances that might shed some helpful light on what we can have her doctor look for.

Thanks for reading my long post.

Although dementia or Alzheimer’s has been ruled out, it’s still possible she could have this and future tests will reveal this; but her symptoms are quickly getting worse that is not indicative of dementia or Alzheimer’s. She is now at a point where she requires 24 hour surveillance for fear that she might fall.


Have her checked for Lewy Body Dementia. Welcome to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (http://www.lbda.org/)

Johns Hopkins has a good program dealing with it.

Lots of things can cause demtia-like symptoms in older folks. Blood sugar, drug interactions/drug reactions (anything new?), vision and/or hearing loss ( a lot of times older folks will not report their problems..not wanting to be a "burden" or thinking they are normal parts of ageing), or depression are the things I immediately think of.

Though, the symptoms do seem to be awfully indicative of dementia..and since there is no fool proof "test" for it..it may be difficult to rule out. Don't underestimate the power of depression, either. I have seen on more than one occasion that when one partner dies (esp much older couples) the other one follews shortly or their health takes a major decline...and no matter what docs say..I can't help but think it is from a broken heart.

Might be related to complications from diabetes -- this was particularly interesting (I read the first one only) http://spa.wvu.edu/r/download/52493

Could be side effects from medication she's on (remember reading about something like this recently).

Could be Dementia with Lewy Bodies (WebMD is a wonderful website).

Go to WebMD and use the symptom checker feature -- you know what's going on better than any of us would... Symptom Checker (http://symptoms.webmd.com/symptomchecker)

Good luck & sending out prayers for you both.

Have her checked for Lewy Body Dementia. Welcome to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (http://www.lbda.org/)

Johns Hopkins has a good program dealing with it.

AS I mentioned, they have currently dismissed dementia; which I'm sure tests were done for LBD.

Thanks.

Lots of things can cause demtia-like symptoms in older folks. Blood sugar, drug interactions/drug reactions (anything new?), vision and/or hearing loss ( a lot of times older folks will not report their problems..not wanting to be a "burden" or thinking they are normal parts of ageing), or depression are the things I immediately think of.

Though, the symptoms do seem to be awfully indicative of dementia..and since there is no fool proof "test" for it..it may be difficult to rule out. Don't underestimate the power of depression, either. I have seen on more than one occasion that when one partner dies (esp much older couples) the other one follews shortly or their health takes a major decline...and no matter what docs say..I can't help but think it is from a broken heart.

Short of any real answers this has been my knee-jerk answer as well. The days immediately after my dad's death I stayed with my mom - around the clock - because we knew she shouldn't be alone. She showed some very severe signs of depression. Her dr finally prescribed her Zoloft. This seemed to have gotten her out of her cycle of obsessing over my dad's death and seemed more lucid and accepting of my dad's death. During that one month alone in the house she drank a lot and didn't eat well at all; which she could have suffered from mild malnutrician. It was what she demanded though. She was not going to leave that house; the house she spent 48 years of her life with her soul mate. So a lot of damage was done in that month I think. But what?

I hate to be a downer, but has she been checked for cancer? Before my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, she was often "confused" for a few months. She would forget things, and often repeat things. She'd stare at walls and pictures. Her symptoms very much resembled dementia before her diagnosis.

Might be related to complications from diabetes -- this was particularly interesting (I read the first one only) http://spa.wvu.edu/r/download/52493

Could be side effects from medication she's on (remember reading about something like this recently).

Could be Dementia with Lewy Bodies (WebMD is a wonderful website).

Go to WebMD and use the symptom checker feature -- you know what's going on better than any of us would... Symptom Checker (http://symptoms.webmd.com/symptomchecker)

Good luck & sending out prayers for you both.

She does not have diabetes.

Thanks for the prayers.

I hate to be a downer, but has she been checked for cancer? Before my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, she was often "confused" for a few months. She would forget things, and often repeat things. She'd stare at walls and pictures. Her symptoms very much resembled dementia before her diagnosis.

No downer at all. At this point I am counting anything as a possibility. She has had several xrays, CT Scans and MRIs done and nothing indicates tumors or cancer. Now the chronic diarrhea has me concerned for colon cancer and we have an appointment for that. But nothing I've read showed a connection between denentia symptoms and colon cancer.

What kind of cancer did your grandmother have?

Short of any real answers this has been my knee-jerk answer as well. The days immediately after my dad's death I stayed with my mom - around the clock - because we knew she shouldn't be alone. She showed some very severe signs of depression. Her dr finally prescribed her Zoloft. This seemed to have gotten her out of her cycle of obsessing over my dad's death and seemed more lucid and accepting of my dad's death. During that one month alone in the house she drank a lot and didn't eat well at all; which she could have suffered from mild malnutrician. It was what she demanded though. She was not going to leave that house; the house she spent 48 years of her life with her soul mate. So a lot of damage was done in that month I think. But what?

This hits home very hard for me, but six years ago (without a reason) I basically quit eating and was drinking to fill my stomach. I would go a week at a time without eating. A body HAS to eat or it falls completely apart. Bones fell apart, joints started to fall apart, falling for no reason, weight loss, diarrhea and loads of other problems. Spent 3 weeks in the hospital and another 4 months rehabbing at my brothers before I felt safe in living by myself again. Still have some minor problems from it to this day although one wouldn't know it by looking at me.

Someone helping her with any meds she might be taking? Just a thought as my grandmother was all jacked up until we figured out she was taking meds on top of meds at times..... wish your family the best.

Short of any real answers this has been my knee-jerk answer as well. The days immediately after my dad's death I stayed with my mom - around the clock - because we knew she shouldn't be alone. She showed some very severe signs of depression. Her dr finally prescribed her Zoloft. This seemed to have gotten her out of her cycle of obsessing over my dad's death and seemed more lucid and accepting of my dad's death. During that one month alone in the house she drank a lot and didn't eat well at all; which she could have suffered from mild malnutrician. It was what she demanded though. She was not going to leave that house; the house she spent 48 years of her life with her soul mate. So a lot of damage was done in that month I think. But what?

PsyOps,

First of all i am very sorry for the situation you and your Mom are currently in. Very similar situation for me when my father passed. I am curious in all of the tests they ran did they ever mention thiamin or vitamin B1 deficiency.
Not saying this is related at all but may be something to look in to. Sorry again.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (http://www.wellness.com/reference/conditions/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome/)

This hits home very hard for me, but six years ago (without a reason) I basically quit eating and was drinking to fill my stomach. I would go a week at a time without eating. A body HAS to eat or it falls completely apart. Bones fell apart, joints started to fall apart, falling for no reason, weight loss, diarrhea and loads of other problems. Spent 3 weeks in the hospital and another 4 months rehabbing at my brothers before I felt safe in living by myself again. Still have some minor problems from it to this day although one wouldn't know it by looking at me.

She's not having problems with eating; although we worry she isn't drinking enough water. She did have a mild UTI a little while ago. She eats well. She seems to get hit hard with the diarrhea right after a meal. I should also point out that the diarrhea has been going on for several years. But now, not a single bowel movement is without diarrhea.

If you don't mind sharing, any idea why this happened to you?

Someone helping her with any meds she might be taking? Just a thought as my grandmother was all jacked up until we figured out she was taking meds on top of meds at times..... wish your family the best.

She's in an assisted living community and they administer her meds every day so she doesn't have to remember.

My mother had similar symptoms and they were finally traced to a medication she had been taking for years for acid reflux, not positive of the name but "Riglan" seems close. The falling was our big concern for her. Her family Dr., after several specialists, etc., admitted that he should have "caught it" because they were familiar side effects for this medication. Best wishes!

I actually think they could be separate issues. I volunteer at a senior center and see the vast majority have the need for a walker/stroller. The reasons are varied, a build up of fluid in the legs, diabetes, osteoarthritis, bursitis and more.

The second part sounds like it could very easily be an anxiety disorder and depression, just because of her general situation. I even think some of the forgetfulness, repeating etc, is normal and age related. But it also could point to her thyroid being out of whack or low blood sugar or as others have mentioned her current medication. I actually don't see alzheimer's in the symptoms, though I can understand your concern. Prior to my grandmother being diagnosed with alzheimer's, she set her kitchen on fire, because she didn't know she couldn't cook. On the other end of the spectrum, my semi-normal grandmother totally remodeled her kitchen, updated her appliances and so on after my grandfather died and then she refused to cook another meal.

I think you are doing a wonderful job of being vigilant about her care. Don't give up. You'll get the answers. :huggy:

PsyOps,

First of all i am very sorry for the situation you and your Mom are currently in. Very similar situation for me when my father passed. I am curious in all of the tests they ran did they ever mention thiamin or vitamin B1 deficiency.
Not saying this is related at all but may be something to look in to. Sorry again.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (http://www.wellness.com/reference/conditions/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome/)

This is very good. I'm certain, with all the blood tests she has had, they would have checked her B1, but it's definitely a question I will as her dr.

Thanks :buddies:

AS I mentioned, they have currently dismissed dementia; which I'm sure tests were done for LBD.

Thanks.

With no disrespect intended, I understand what you are saying. My step father wasn't diagnosed until a third opinion. It never hurts to explore another opinion. LBD wasn't well known at the time of his diagnosis.

PsyOps,

First of all i am very sorry for the situation you and your Mom are currently in. Very similar situation for me when my father passed. I am curious in all of the tests they ran did they ever mention thiamin or vitamin B1 deficiency.
Not saying this is related at all but may be something to look in to. Sorry again.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (http://www.wellness.com/reference/conditions/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome/)

B12 deficiency will cause these symptoms also.

With no disrespect intended, I understand what you are saying. My step father wasn't diagnosed until a third opinion. It never hurts to explore another opinion. LBD wasn't well known at the time of his diagnosis.

None taken. So far she has been tested in two different hospitals. I am adding this to my list of things to ask the dr. Thanks.

B12 deficiency will cause these symptoms also.

That was one of the first things they looked for.

That was one of the first things they looked for.

PsyOps, I don't have anything to add to what the others have offered, except for a BIG :huggy:. Keep asking questions of every doctor and try to keep a record of all the tests/diagnoses. You may be able to "trip" across something that doesn't "compute" and may narrow things down. Good Luck, and God Bless!!! And give your Mom a hug for me! Hugs have been known to help heal!

None taken. So far she has been tested in two different hospitals. I am adding this to my list of things to ask the dr. Thanks.

You're welcome. I hope it isn't the case. Best of wishes for you and your family.

I actually think they could be separate issues. I volunteer at a senior center and see the vast majority have the need for a walker/stroller. The reasons are varied, a build up of fluid in the legs, diabetes, osteoarthritis, bursitis and more.

The second part sounds like it could very easily be an anxiety disorder and depression, just because of her general situation. I even think some of the forgetfulness, repeating etc, is normal and age related. But it also could point to her thyroid being out of whack or low blood sugar or as others have mentioned her current medication. I actually don't see alzheimer's in the symptoms, though I can understand your concern. Prior to my grandmother being diagnosed with alzheimer's, she set her kitchen on fire, because she didn't know she couldn't cook. On the other end of the spectrum, my semi-normal grandmother totally remodeled her kitchen, updated her appliances and so on after my grandfather died and then she refused to cook another meal.

I think you are doing a wonderful job of being vigilant about her care. Don't give up. You'll get the answers. :huggy:

It seems much of her walking problems is mental since she tends to reach for objects to stabilize herself, but she starts reaching when that object is still way out of reach. For the record, she just of her eyes examined and has a new prescription. I think that needs to be rechecked.

She takes Synthroid for hypothyroidism. I’m sure this has been checked but I certain should ask about it. I am certain much of what she is going through is depression. She is taking a low dose of Zoloft once a day. Depression is far more complicated than I thought. Even though someone doesn’t have the classic signs of depression (general unhappiness) they could still have it. My mom doesn’t seem unhappy, isn’t crawling in a corner crying, she isn’t obsessively talking about my dad in terms of missing him and wishing he was back (although she does bring it up from time to time; which I think is normal). She will be having her first session with a psychiatrist Thursday and I’m hoping this could reveal some things.

Thanks for your encouragement.

She's not having problems with eating; although we worry she isn't drinking enough water. She did have a mild UTI a little while ago. She eats well. She seems to get hit hard with the diarrhea right after a meal. I should also point out that the diarrhea has been going on for several years. But now, not a single bowel movement is without diarrhea.

If you don't mind sharing, any idea why this happened to you?

Keep a eye on that. A UTI in the elderly can cause confusion, dementia and often go undiagnosed due the symptoms are different for them.
Have her checked for Pancreatic Cancer.

I don't have anything to offer other than I'm thinking of you and your family. I hope you are able to get some answers soon. I know how frustrating this must be to want to help, but to feel helpless at times. :huggy:

Keep a eye on that. A UTI in the elderly can cause confusion, dementia and often go undiagnosed due the symptoms are different for them.
Have her checked for Pancreatic Cancer.

Subsequent tests show the UTI is gone. As far as I know there have been no purposeful tests for any cancer. As with many cancers they are caught when looking for something else. Pancreatic cancer is one of those that don't show symptoms until it's too late. She is suffering from none of them at this point.

I don't have anything to offer other than I'm thinking of you and your family. I hope you are able to get some answers soon. I know how frustrating this must be to want to help, but to feel helpless at times. :huggy:

Thanks.

What kind of cancer did your grandmother have?
She had lung cancer for about a year or two and never told family. By the time we knew something was wrong, the cancer had spread to her brain. She passed away two weeks after diagnosis.

She had lung cancer for about a year or two and never told family. By the time we knew something was wrong, the cancer had spread to her brain. She passed away two weeks after diagnosis.

That's really sad. My dad's best friend's wife got cancer and he took care of her. About half way through her battle he found out he had cancer but told no one so he can continue helping his wife. She died and about a year later he died. An amazing story but very sad.

It seems much of her walking problems is mental since she tends to reach for objects to stabilize herself, but she starts reaching when that object is still way out of reach. For the record, she just of her eyes examined and has a new prescription. I think that needs to be rechecked.

She takes Synthroid for hypothyroidism. I’m sure this has been checked but I certain should ask about it. I am certain much of what she is going through is depression. She is taking a low dose of Zoloft once a day. Depression is far more complicated than I thought. Even though someone doesn’t have the classic signs of depression (general unhappiness) they could still have it. My mom doesn’t seem unhappy, isn’t crawling in a corner crying, she isn’t obsessively talking about my dad in terms of missing him and wishing he was back (although she does bring it up from time to time; which I think is normal). She will be having her first session with a psychiatrist Thursday and I’m hoping this could reveal some things.

Thanks for your encouragement.

Have them check the fit and angle of the lenses. A similar thing happened to me years ago with a new pair of glasses that were mis-adjusted. The faulty adjustment caused things to appear angled so my depth perception was way off. It took me a couple of hours to figure out that it was not just the usual "get used to the new prescription". Our older parents tend to not complain about this kind of thing for a while for many & varied reasons. She may be thinking that it is just her not being used to the new prescription. Good on you for catching that it might be related!

My mom also went through this. Caregiver to an ailing husband and depression - and STRESS. She had many health problems including diabetes, but it turned out that the reason she was losing her memory, balance and such is that her HEART was not functioning properly. She wasn't getting enough blood and oxygen to her brain, which was subsequently causing 'mini' strokes.
It's so easy to point to the obvious choices for older people, but remember that women do not exhibit the same heart attack symptoms as men. Along with everything else - have your mom go through a complete cardio workup including a sonogram of the artery in her neck.

I hope the best for you and your Mom.

I was talking to my Mom this morning about an Aunt of mine who was having some health issues that seemed like they were stroke-related. One of the problems was memory issues. Turns out (after getting her to a different doctor for a second opinion), the diuretic that she was taking for something (Mom thinks blood pressure), had depleted the salt in her body. This lack of salt threw her body chemistry out of whack which resulted in a minor heart attack, memory issues, etc.

Don't know if this might be the case for your Mom but I'm throwing it out there for you, just in case.

Have them check the fit and angle of the lenses. A similar thing happened to me years ago with a new pair of glasses that were mis-adjusted. The faulty adjustment caused things to appear angled so my depth perception was way off. It took me a couple of hours to figure out that it was not just the usual "get used to the new prescription". Our older parents tend to not complain about this kind of thing for a while for many & varied reasons. She may be thinking that it is just her not being used to the new prescription. Good on you for catching that it might be related!

I don't recall if I told this story but this past Friday my mom was headed to her bathroom. She has been in the assisted living place for about a month and never seemed to have a problem getting to her bathroom. When she went this past Friday, for some reason she went out of her room into the hallway and into the room across the hall and ended up in his bathroom. When the guy in that room asked her why she was in his bathroom she got startled, turned too quickly fell and hit her head on the door jam. She required 3 staples. So there's more to this walking problem than her glasses; although it may be contributing. She has a wide range of cognitive issues going on that I believe are affecting her ability to walk.

My mom also went through this. Caregiver to an ailing husband and depression - and STRESS. She had many health problems including diabetes, but it turned out that the reason she was losing her memory, balance and such is that her HEART was not functioning properly. She wasn't getting enough blood and oxygen to her brain, which was subsequently causing 'mini' strokes.
It's so easy to point to the obvious choices for older people, but remember that women do not exhibit the same heart attack symptoms as men. Along with everything else - have your mom go through a complete cardio workup including a sonogram of the artery in her neck.

I hope the best for you and your Mom.

I have added to the list to have a echogram done on her heart. She did have a sonogram of her neck arteries and they looked fine.

Can you tell me specifically what heart condition your mom had?

I was talking to my Mom this morning about an Aunt of mine who was having some health issues that seemed like they were stroke-related. One of the problems was memory issues. Turns out (after getting her to a different doctor for a second opinion), the diuretic that she was taking for something (Mom thinks blood pressure), had depleted the salt in her body. This lack of salt threw her body chemistry out of whack which resulted in a minor heart attack, memory issues, etc.

Don't know if this might be the case for your Mom but I'm throwing it out there for you, just in case.

She does take HBP medication but it's not a diuretic. The second CT scan she had seems to reveal a couple of very minor strokes that could be causing some of these issues but the doctor said they were so small that she couldn't tell if they were actually strokes; and she said it's very normal for someone my mom's age to have such strokes.

She does take HBP medication but it's not a diuretic. The second CT scan she had seems to reveal a couple of very minor strokes that could be causing some of these issues but the doctor said they were so small that she couldn't tell if they were actually strokes; and she said it's very normal for someone my mom's age to have such strokes.

:howdy: Just an FYI, most people on blood pressure meds either take a companion diuretic, or it is built into the BP pill itself. Double check that with her doc and her prescription.

:howdy: Just an FYI, most people on blood pressure meds either take a companion diuretic, or it is built into the BP pill itself. Double check that with her doc and her prescription.

What do I raise as the concern? Her BP is normal while taking the medication. Is it salt?

Thanks everyone for your input and well-wishes. Your suggestions are all going to be used. I've written up an extensive list of things to ask the doctor.

I am so thankful for somd.com. There are really some great folks on here. :buddies:

What do I raise as the concern? Her BP is normal while taking the medication. Is it salt?

Not sure exactly what you should be asking, but if she's losing too much fluid, her electrolytes and other mineral levels could be off. So, yes, it could have something to do with the level of salt and other things even if the BP is good. I just wanted to make sure that you knew that the BP and diruetics are usually a package deal.

You have gotten so many good suggestions here that it may seem daunting. The main thing is to make sure her doctor is looking for the "non-obvious" as well. Good luck, and please keep us updated!

She does take HBP medication but it's not a diuretic. The second CT scan she had seems to reveal a couple of very minor strokes that could be causing some of these issues but the doctor said they were so small that she couldn't tell if they were actually strokes; and she said it's very normal for someone my mom's age to have such strokes.

Just read your post PsyOps-that was the first thing I thought of-TIA's or a previous undiagnosed stroke.
Have her carotid arteries been checked for blockage/arthrosclerosis?
Hoping for the best....

Well, unexpectedly things got dramatically worse. My mom is lashing out at care-takers and exhibiting other problems that the assisted living place can no longer accomodate and we have to move her out and into a rehab facility. Even though her situation has deteriorated I view this as a good thing since she will be getting very much-needed intensive physical and phychological rehab. I hope they come up with some answers otherwise she is facing living in a nursing home.

I appreciate everyone's input.

Well, unexpectedly things got dramatically worse. My mom is lashing out at care-takers and exhibiting other problems that the assisted living place can no longer accomodate and we have to move her out and into a rehab facility. Even though her situation has deteriorated I view this as a good thing since she will be getting very much-needed intensive physical and phychological rehab. I hope they come up with some answers otherwise she is facing living in a nursing home.

I appreciate everyone's input.

:huggy:

Well, unexpectedly things got dramatically worse. My mom is lashing out at care-takers and exhibiting other problems that the assisted living place can no longer accomodate and we have to move her out and into a rehab facility. Even though her situation has deteriorated I view this as a good thing since she will be getting very much-needed intensive physical and phychological rehab. I hope they come up with some answers otherwise she is facing living in a nursing home.

I appreciate everyone's input.

:huggy:

Hang in there & keep asking questions and looking for answers for your Mom.

She's not having problems with eating; although we worry she isn't drinking enough water. She did have a mild UTI a little while ago. She eats well. She seems to get hit hard with the diarrhea right after a meal. I should also point out that the diarrhea has been going on for several years. But now, not a single bowel movement is without diarrhea.

If you don't mind sharing, any idea why this happened to you?

I am posting before I have read the entire thread but I think you should have the doctor consider vitamin deficiency (especially B12) or other nutritional deficiencies because of the diarrhea problem. There is also still consideration of too many medications or severe diarrhea.

Back to this post after finishing the thread. I would recommend you take your mother to a gerontologist (specialist in old people) given the complexity of her presentation. One of the easiest things to miss in an older person is the change in metabolism of medications as they age. What was a perfectly good dose or combination becomes really bad as people age. The other things like nutritional deficiencies creep up so slowly, nobody remembers when "Mom went away in her mind." Good luck and please keep us informed of what the doctors find out.

[QUOTE=PsyOps;4350096]Well, unexpectedly things got dramatically worse. My mom is lashing out at care-takers and exhibiting other problems that the assisted living place can no longer accomodate and we have to move her out and into a rehab facility. Even though her situation has deteriorated I view this as a good thing since she will be getting very much-needed intensive physical and phychological rehab. I hope they come up with some answers otherwise she is facing living in a nursing home.

I appreciate everyone's input.


Sorry man.

PsyOps-
My heart goes out to your mother and you (+family) My dad suffered from Sundowners Syndrome-he exhibited very similar behavior to your Mother.

Sundowners Syndrome - Symptoms of confusion after sundown | SundownerFacts.com (http://sundownerfacts.com/sundowners-syndrome)

Well, unexpectedly things got dramatically worse. My mom is lashing out at care-takers and exhibiting other problems that the assisted living place can no longer accomodate and we have to move her out and into a rehab facility. Even though her situation has deteriorated I view this as a good thing since she will be getting very much-needed intensive physical and phychological rehab. I hope they come up with some answers otherwise she is facing living in a nursing home.

I appreciate everyone's input.
My parents were married for 64 years and Dad died the end of Jan.
Mom gave up, she just quit living.
She joined Dad the end of last month. She didn't want to live without him so she didn't.

Ask the dr to do an endoscopy to check why she is having the chronic diarrhea. A long shot-but she may have a food allergy. You say that she gets hit with it right after a meal...A friend was recently diagnosed with a food allergy and had the same thing...it was terrible, but it was also 24/7. Months on end before the dr's found out what it was. Endoscopy combined with blood work solved it.
Also-does she complain of headaches? My mom suffers from migraines, and they throw all of her motor skills off. There are times that she falls due to being so dizzy, or blacks out. She misjudges distances, and simple things are very difficult to figure out due to trying to fight through the pain and comprehend.

- When walking she would reach for things (like walls, doorknobs, tabletops, etc…) to help her keep her balance, but would reach out before she was actually close enough to reach it. She had problems figuring out how to negotiate around certain objects: like getting around the end table to get to the couch and getting herself positioned properly in front of the couch before sitting down (she would often sit on the arm of the couch and slide into position).

- using the TV remote control is a challenge for her.



So her symptoms are:

- Short term memory loss that has been noticeable for about 3 years
- Sudden loss of motor skills like walking and negotiating around objects
- Sudden loss of ability to handle mental challenges like crosswords, reading and cooking
- Chronic diarrhea

My parents were married for 64 years and Dad died the end of Jan.
Mom gave up, she just quit living.
She joined Dad the end of last month. She didn't want to live without him so she didn't.

I'm really sorry to hear that.

My mom actually recently said this... she just gave up. This admission, I think, was huge. But I don't know if that's where her head still is.