Mother woke at 2.30 am thought it was morning, had breakfast...

[Mightybanhammer]

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

Having said that, I realise that your mum's situation is different in that she's been in hospital for a shorter time and for more urgent reasons than my mum - she was in hospital for weeks. So I can understand why you've been visiting every day up to now. You still deserve a break though☕️🍰

Oh thank you lingua !

I didn't go today, but had a discussion over phone with her lovely, lovely nurse. She had seen I had left almost in tears yesterday and asked if I was ok. The nurse has had a conversation with Mum about it

Hospital wanted to discharge her today but I said no she needs an assessment regarding extra support at home so has been referred for that and in meantime She remains on the ward.

I recall being advised when my father was ill to always ensure they get an assessment done before going home. Hope it is done soon as the longer she is in there, the more her mental health will suffer.

Yes am in touch with her church visitor regarding visits.