Mom, has dementia. We notice some changes. Though; yesterday, she looked at a family member's photo (lives long distance) And; asked If, it was a family friend's name. I got really worried. Then, within the same hr. Many more forgetful names & who's santa etc. Thank goodness she was much better within 2 hrs. Is this the downhill slope we read about? Will it come up again with names & photo's etc.?
Have a nice Holiday! Pat
On the other hand, some of us have a hard time with names and faces even without dementia! How was your mother at that before she developed dementia?
For the next few weeks, why not keep a little notebook of these episodes so you can discuss them with her doctor? In fact, it might be good to mail him a list of the new or increasing behaviors and your concerns, before the appointment. Some clinics accept emails.
Dementia gets worse. That is a certainty. Whether these episodes will come more frequently remains to be seen. I don't think that having them occasionally necessarily means she's on a fast downward slope. This is something to discuss with her doctor, but I predict the answer will be, "We don't know. It varies a lot from one individual to another."
But it is probably a generally good rule to check out elders for a uti when sudden changes occur in their behavior. Thanks for reminding us.
I wish I was looking more forward to Christmas, but it is so damn hard when constantly being scrutinized by family members.
HUGS to all&Blessings,for being there for your loved ones
Your Mom's situation is certainly scary. Be sure to tell the doctor how it comes and goes. I'm no expert, but that does sound like TIA's.