For the past three and half years I was seeing stuff in my mother that doesn't make sense. Some dysfunctional behaviours and moods.
I don't need to list them here and prove it anyone here in this post because I know it will only just anger some posters where they argue with it all.
I have no doubt in my mind that what I am seeing is my mother going senile. It's such a gaslighting disease. Every day is different. Sometimes she had moments of clarity and then other times she's just off in so much.
I live with her and I was away recently for a few nights. When I came home I found something new. She took some of my belongings that were in the kitchen like lunch boxes and bottles and other tubs like muffin baking tins and used in in her window. Not as a display or anything. One of her obsessions is her bedroom window and leaving it wide open to get air and I think she was using my stuff to try and wedge her window open even though she has a handle on the window to open. I just don't know what she was doing.
Another thing I saw is that, the handle to my bedroom door is loose. I lock my bedroom door because of some of her behaviours. Surely I would have noticed a loose handle before. The handle is only on my door for about 18 months. I think maybe she was trying to tamper with the handle or maybe pull at it when I was away or maybe she tried different keys in my door. I don't know.
Anyways I do have e a lot of observations and there is some dysfunction.
I cajterd to two GPs in the local practice where she and also me are patients.
The first GP called her in for a check up but that was it.
The second gp asked me 'is there any memory loss?'.
Memory loss isn't something that I am seeing with her. Her memory is good. Even short term memory. Unless if there is memory loss and it's vague and subtle. Like when chatting to her I mentioned something about one of my cousin's and her reaction was one of anger that didn't make sense. I am thinking maybe she just doesn't know who the cousin is any more and she responded with anger.
Then more recently there is kitchen tubberware wedged in her bedroom window. Maybe she doesn't know where they are supposed to go.
I read up online and I am in a support group but it's still so hard. There is so many things just not quite right.
I don't think it would be alzemiers which is marked by memory loss. My understaind is that GPs initial screening is usually memory related and then they refer. I think it could be a different type of dementia and maybe if the frontal lobes which is responsible for behaviours and moods. FTD. That's what I think it could be.
I seriously need to get help and support and a diagnosis and at least rule dementia in or out.
She's in her 70s.
What is the best way forward to get a diagnosis or rule it in or out?
Will I send a written letter to the GP with a sheet of what I am seeing in her? Maybe when she's had an appointment again, maybe they can do something then.
I just don't know. I feel sick to my stomach. There is so much disfunction with her.
Also other times online it says dementia is changes. Describe the changes you see. It's not so much changes I see in her. I think she was always a difficult person but it's much more intensified now.