Worried about my mum.

[PoppinsMoppins]

My mum is 68, but a very young active 68. I have started to get a bit worried about her. I am crying writing this as I have been trying to block it out myself. I can't bear the though of my mum's mind going so young.

Recently I have started to notice her repeating stories, asking the same questions over and over. Being generally forgetful.

Every time this happens and I say 'we spoke about this the other day mum' she looks embarrassed and say oh yes, then swiftly changes the subject.

Could this be something more than just being a bit forgetful? If so how do I bring it up with her? She will be horrified!

Thing is I'm pretty sure she is noticing it herself but is to proud to say anything.

Also is there a benefit to catching these things early. Can anything be done to help? Or is it not worth stressing her out over?

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There is a benefit to starting treatment early as it slows down the decline.

Thanks. Maybe it's work having a chat with her then. I just don't want to upset her

*worth, not work!

Ignore the repetition - it only upsets both of you.

See if you can gently get her to the docs.

If she won't go, go to her GP yourself - they won't be able to talk about her to you, but you can talk about her to them, IYSWIM.

Great benefit to starting early.

No diagnosis from me but her GP is your friend

x

Do you have a large family OP? My mum used to forget who she'd told things to as there were 7 of us to update! But yes, a visit to the GP would be worthwhile.

Omg,my mum is nearly 60 and doing exactly the same thing,but also buying the same things twice and not realising,or making plans and forgetting,or saying she is going to do something and then saying she never said that.i told my oh and he thinks it's just because she has a busy life and doesn't really stop but my gut is telling me different.i try and tell her and she gets a bit defensive about it all.im here if you need to talk as it's one of my worries too and if I think about it too much it really scares me and makes me cry.

It is really hard on you, but I'd say that if you're noticing a change in her, then it's worth getting her to see her GP. If there is anything going on, it's definitely worth getting a diagnosis and treatment as early as you can. And these things can unfortunately take time if she's waiting for a referral to the memory clinic etc.

I'm not saying it's the same situation, but we know a lady (in her 60's) who was diagnosed with early onset dementia and once she was diagnosed, we then realised that many of the things that happened in the preceding years had all been part of it e.g. forgetting where she had parked her car, picking up someone else's glass at dinner and drinking from it, putting things away in odd places. On their own, they didn't seem significant but in hindsight her behaviour wasn't normal.

It may be nothing, but it's much easier to deal with something when you know exactly what it is you're dealing with. I'd talk to her sensitively and encourage her to see her GP.

Thanks lyn sounds very similar in that it could be explained by her being busy, but, like you, my gut is telling me something different.

Maybe it is when you know someone so well you pick up on small changes more than others.

I think I might talk to the gp (we have the same one) and see what he says. And I will let you know lyn, in case it helps you too. Hope your mum is ok xx