Elderly relatives’ cognitive function declining due to isolation?

[WearyandBleary]

I’ve been trying to pretend everything is fine but I have two single elderly relatives and since March I’ve noticed very fast declines in their cognitive function. Memory loss, cannot get words right, repeating themselves etc.

Both are in their 80s and cannot have the busy social lives they previously had. Their clubs and churches have closed and they are not prepared to mix with their young families.

Has anyone else noticed this? What can we do?

I’ve noticed that my MIL mid 70’s has had a lot more falls recently.
Usually fit and healthy but has fallen outside a couple of times and the most recent one fall cracked her head open. She also fallen while trying to get out the bath - struggled to get out as she damaged her ribs.
We not sure if it’s lockdown related - usually she walking everywhere & goes to the gym /exercise classes. It’s sad to see as for the first time my husband sees his mum as ‘frail’ he’s not sure what to do. Like you she doesn’t want us going over as she sees us as a risk to her health because of Covid.
Sorry not much help but it’s sad to see what the lockdown has done /is doing to all ages :(

Sorry to hear that. :(. I feel the same: these were people I thought had a lot more years of independence. I am very worried for them.

This is one of the most heartbreaking things about these rules, I don't have any relatives in this situation but I have so much empathy.

This is the reason I went to the protest, because these rules meant to protect the elderly are actually damaging them. However mumsnet just brands you a conspiracy theorist if you attend a protest.

Other than protesting, I can't think of much else that we can do. You can try going to journalist who would be willing to talk about this. I know one of them is Anna Brees.

I wish there was more we can do.

@JKRowlingIsMyQueen

This is one of the most heartbreaking things about these rules, I don't have any relatives in this situation but I have so much empathy.

This is the reason I went to the protest, because these rules meant to protect the elderly are actually damaging them. However mumsnet just brands you a conspiracy theorist if you attend a protest.

Other than protesting, I can't think of much else that we can do. You can try going to journalist who would be willing to talk about this. I know one of them is Anna Brees.

I wish there was more we can do.

Well said

our elderly are isolated, becoming more and more anxious about social situations and more confused.

I’m so angry on their behalf. They keep being told their grandchildren and other relatives are trying to kill them, isolating them further but often taking away their main pleasure in life (family and friends).

Our elderly are suffering and our youth are suffering. I’m so angry. The people we are “protecting” are suffering the most.

I agree they are suffering but I’m not sure what we can do. They are making choices to isolate and those choices may be sensible. I don’t know what the alternative is if we want schools to stay open (which I think we have to). But the cost of dementia care (and I think this is what is escalating here) is going to be significant.

I've been keeping an eye on my 85 year old neighbour. She's started calling me a different name. I did let the GP know but they're useless here. I also contacted them twice whilst she was shielding, no one has even been in contact with her.

The cost of dementia care won't be significant because it will be short term. The deterioration caused by isolation (at home or in a care home) means death will come far more quickly than otherwise. I know that's a terrible thing to think, but we can already see it happening.

I work with the elderly and I'm seeing this a lot. I'm assuming you don't want to risk seeing them in person? In that case set a time you will call, 6pm on Tuesday for example, so that they have something to look forward to. If you know the groups they go to ask if they will pass on your relative's phone number to others there (with relatives permission!), see if any local charities are doing befriending calls.

I don't have elderly relatives that I see regularly other than my mum, and she is very aware of this and doing her best to stay out and about and see people when she can. She is keeping an eye on a friend who lives close to her who has mild dementia and she says she has got a lot worse during lockdown. I think it is a very big problem. Also for students locked up in their halls. Isolation isn't a good thing for the brain.

Yes in both my sets of GP and two of them have had falls. I am so worried but i cant see any other way to protect them from the virus . I dont want them dying alone in a covid ward and with no decent funeral afterwards

Same with FIL. He's forgetting everything. He's 78. Covid hasn't helped! He's alone too, as his partner is isolating alone.

Tough times