angel_bear

I don't mind answering questions .. the only silly question is one that isn't asked!

In my humble, non-professional opinion, my mother in law has always drunk too much. On that basis, I do believe a lot of her dementia is alcohol induced (there is a dementia created by too much alcohol over many many years).

Although an intellegent woman, I do believe her way of life led her to drink. FIL pretty much kept to himself until his boys were 'of age' which meant drinking age. She raised 3 boys and a friends daughter pretty much by herself while FIL worked in a cushy job and went to the club every night. And yes, I mean EVERY night. When he WAS home, he sat and watched "the news" and didn't seem to be a very hands on Dad. Then again, back in that era, they weren't anyway.

MIL was the most empathetic woman I have ever meant. I truly mean I adored the socks off her (that's a good thing LOL) .. I lost count the number of times my mother would make me cry, and she would be my shoulder to cry on. How I wished SHE could be my mother (somewhat illegal since I married her son .. but you get the idea LOL) ... she was always full of words of wisdom, comfort and support. She never bailed anybody out, but would empower you to do it yourself. She was even a life-line counsellor and saved many potential suicides (Life-Line is a telephone counselling service).

I do admit, however, that FIL was the breadwinner. He controlled finances. She had an allowance. Any money she earnt was hers to do with what she wanted. She's never been in control of the MAJOR household bills. She knows they are there, even now, but she doesn't know what to do with them. Perhaps 10 years ago, she could have figured it out, but now, with the cognitive decline, it's not going to happen.

Her speech problem isn't related to her alcohol consumption, however it is related to some dementia's. I remember numerous times she would stop drinking to 'sleep better' but that wouldn't last long at all. She enjoyed her 1 glass of sherry, her 2 glasses of wine and her 1 glass of red (with dinner) then would have coffee. It was her routine. Now? She just drinks. Exacerbates the dementia? I have no doubt.

Of course, if I put this scenario to the rest of the family, I would be poo-pooh'ed ... but yeah .. I think you pinned it.

Hugs
Sally