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.
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.
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.