This is dementia, isn't it.
She is 87 this spring, in reasonably good health physically, living independently with help from a cleaner and a gardener - but I have noticed an accelerating decline in short term memory - repeating herself very frequently, not grasping things clearly, easily confused. Also suddenly laughing at nothing at all which is a bit disconcerting. On the other hand, she still reads a broadsheet daily and can easily be drawn into lucid discussions on things she has read.
So I had my concerns but this latest night/day thing takes it to another level altogether.
She has a clock with large numbers on it by her bed, and clocks elsewhere and on her appliances, but she was convinced it had stopped. Got up, dressed , made breakfast - all of which would have taken best part of an hour - before realising it was the middle of the night.
She was taken off a low dose of amitryptilline at night time about 18 months ago as it gave her auditory and visual hallucinations. Maybe melatonin would help?
I mentioned GP visit and unsurprisingly she wasn't keen. Perhaps I should ring them myself? I have a letter of authority to discuss stuff with them.
Has anyone any ideas? I am her sole relative and live 40 mins away, work full time.
Thanks