Mom had MRI done on Wednesday, all is fine there. No small strokes, no blockages, nothing remarkable. In fact, I was told the narrowing of vessels that comes with age is less than expected, at 80 (in July). All bloodwork and panels done are normal, too. No thyroid problems, no problem with the diabetes, no too low or too high levels anywhere. It is good news, but not exactly what I wanted to hear. Guess I was hoping for thyroid imbalance, and meds would fix it.
I guess next step is neurologist. May take a bit to get an appt though. I did talk to the doc about the never sleeping and the hallucinations. We start an anti-psychotic tonight. We will see. All I know is that I will keep after the doc and something major WILL be done in the next 10 days. That is the time line I have given myself. ;) We will see if I can make it happen.
Skimps, I am so glad that you have made up your mind to go to Vegas. I know you will be better able to cope with whatever comes along when you get back, rested (I hope) and relaxed.
Ladies, you are all so funny! It's great to get a smile or a laugh at the end of my day. Oh wait, my day never seems to end. Well, it's good to laugh any time.
Better run, I hear noises. Gotta go see what she is doing.
Take care, Love
Susie

On one level I am glad all the test came out well Susie, but on the another level I am sure it was a disappointment. The Neurologist or other specialist that can diagnose her cognitive level is the next step. Did the doctor give your Mom a memory test? Do you know what her score was?

Medication can help with the sleeplessness and the hallucinations. It might be hit or miss to find the right combination but keep after it. It will take a few weeks for the medication to reach it's peak effectiveness so be a little bit patient. Have you considered somebody to stay with her at night for a while so you can get some sleep.... at least until the medication takes effect.

Hang in there, answers are on the way....

Love, deb

I know what you mean about the never ending day and no sleep!

My Mom was diagnosed by a general practicioner and later evaluated by the staff psychiatrist at the nursing home. There were never any measurable changes in her brain. But it was clear to anyone (except my sister) that she had Dementia.

I have been told that no one is 100% certain it is Alzheimer's until an autopsy is done after death. But what for, we ask. Whatever the strange proceedings in the brain may be, we have to deal with it when the person is alive.

I wish you luck, clarity, and a good night's sleep!

Love,

Martha

Susie,
When I had my DH tested, extensively, all his results came back normal too. It wasn't until we had the neuropsychological testing done did anything show up. He also tested positive for sleep apnea and we thought maybe that was causing his confusion etc., but after 6 months on his breathing machine, things did not improve and we knew we were dealing with dementia, specifically Pick's disease. It also sounds like your mom is well along if she is having hallucinations etc. The neurologist will be better able to determine what's happening and might suggest some neuro testing too.

Good luck,
Janie

Thank you, ladies. Yes, Deb, the primary did some testing. Standard stuff, I am sure. Had one last September, also. So at least she could see the rapid decline. Told us much, much worse than the last one. Started on an anti-psychotic Friday night. Seemed better yesterday as far as the hallucinations, but slept off and on all day. Which is good for her as she doesn't sleep at night. But Jim was up later than usual since she didn't want to go to bed. She is sleeping right now. When we came into the living room this morning the mat from her bathroom was in there. So she was roaming the house, sometime after 4 am which is when I finally went to sleep. Until now, she has stayed in her room, which we have been "child-proofing". If she is going to roam the rest of the house, we definitely will need to do something else.
Another new thing this past week is the way she eats. Food everywhere, like a 1 or 2 yr old. She is still packing things up, so when she does, we just remove it. Don't know if this is the thing to do or not.
Oh, well that nap did not last long! Gotta run fix her some lunch. Fruit and cheese I think today. Thanks for all the input.
Love, Susie

You might want to adjust the time of her medication. If it is going to make her sleep during the day then perhaps giving it in the morning or afternoon instead of at night would help, or add a sleeping pill at night. You just have to be flexible enough to adjust as you see the effects.

I talked to a friend last weekend who's mother had ALZ. Her Mom was the ultimate wonderer. When she put her Mom to bed at night she would put a long set of wind chimes centered in her doorway. (The five foot long cathedral chimes) There was no way to get around them without the loud chime noise and it alerted her to her Mom's attempted wondering. Eventually her Mom would not go out the door as long as the chimes were there.

As long as removing what she packs up doesn't annoy her then remove it. You can even let her repack it.... over and over again.... if it keeps her busy. I have learned not to look for normality but for whatever keeps me sane!

Love, deb