My great grandmother had alzheimers and my grandmother is now in the advanced stages. There have also been aunts directly related to my grandmother who also have it at some stage or another. Therefore we know we are predisposed. Why I am writing is that I am worried about my mother. She is 56 and her behavior has changed in the last year or so. She used to verge on grumpy and was easily insulted. Now she is really cheerful. Not that that is really a problem but I know a change in behavior can be a sign. This past weekend she came for a visit from out of state and even though I had already bought food for the visit, which was also a birthday party for several people, she went and bought other stuff and told me to save my food for another time. She bought all fingerfoods that she liked. Several things no one else ate because our taste don't run to that. She also seems to have developed a sweet tooth which is something that we first noticed with my Grandmother in the early stages. Like I said, she used to be, not always grumpy, but hard to please, but she liked everyone around her to do the planning and shopping, ect. She also pushes what she likes on us. Food wise I mean. She would open a package of something and make a production of giving one to everyone. I don't know how many times we would all make a run to the outside garage to get rid of something she insisted we try. But she wouldn't take no. This is so different than the way she used to be. We (me and my 2 sisters) have talked to her about going to the doctor but unless one of us makes an appointment and takes her, she won't go. But she is living in a different state. Does anyone have experience getting someone you suspect is in the early stages to see a doctor? I'm sorry this is so long winded but there aren't too many people I can talk to about this. I don't want to be like my Mom though. She avoided as long as possible the signs my grandmother was showing and it could have ended very badly. I won't bury my head in the sand, but what can I do? Sorry, got going again didn't I?

Dani

Most people who have any cognitive memory loss have changes in behavior. Since you have a strong family history, it is a good possibility. That may not be what the difference is, though. You are right to want to get a medical opinion. If you aren't already in good communication with your mother's family physician, now may be the time to give him a call and express your concerns. It may mean making an appointment that you can keep by phone, or actually visiting him alone or with your mother. It seems like a lot to go through to get an answer, but it is much more difficult to handle the affairs of a parent that lives out of state if you wait until the parent isn't able to assist you at all. Some children only find out about a parent with alzheimers when a catastrophe has already befallen the parent, such as leaving a stove on and forgetting about it. There are also so many new medications available to halt the progression or even regain some of the loss that it is only making the situation worse the longer you wait.
Good luck to you. I hope you will find a local support group that will be able to give you ideas and assistance.