I know my mom is getting Alzheimer's. She repeats herself over and over. Her long term memory is ok but has no short term. I told about it awhile back and she disowned me for over a month. Should I tell her that she just told me that or just let it go?
I'm afraid if I question her she will disown me again. She is 84.
Next time Dad will start with the same story about his college days, he has many, for the 100th time, I need to remember to ask him things I hadn't heard before, like more about the college dorm, the physics lab, his professors, etc.
the retelling of those stories is less frequent. Its really rather sad, because those memories were a major part of her.
When I talk with Mom anymore I just accept the fact that she won't remember what we've talked about. We still enjoy each others company but in a different way. Conversation for the sake of conversation isn't a big priority anymore. Once I accepted the fact that Mom couldn't remember what we talked about 5 minutes ago things became easier for me.
I found directing the conversation in a different vein can help. Distraction.
I had an ah ha moment when I realized it was sure a lot like raising my 2 yr old.
Have fun with it. The older memories are strongest. Talk about her life and her growing up.