Even with dementia, my mom has been a pleasant, placid person, almost without exception.

But one morning last week she did not recognize me when I went in to get her up, and she became very angry with me and shouted at me, which is so not like her. I tried several fiblets that usually work, but to no avail. I then let her sleep another 45 minutes, and when I returned, it was as if it had never happened. She was pleasant and happy and got up and went about the rest of her day as usual.

The last two mornings she has been slow to get up but eventually did and afterwards she was pleasant.

Today she refuses to get up at all and was absolutely rigid when I removed her old pullup and put a new one on her. My brother is on his way over, and together we will see if we can get her up.

I have cried all morning (not in front of her, of course).

I hate this disease.

Well, I guess the good news and the bad news is that the memories stay with them for so short a time that they don't remember being "difficult."

Here's hoping for better mornings.....and if not, let her sleep an extra 30 minutes....LOL

Sarah,
Is there any way that you can have your Mom checked for an UTI!

When BFM gets like that over night 9 times out of 10 she either has a UTI or a lot of bacteria in her bladder that is turning into one.

I hate that your Mom is being difficult and my heart goes out to you.

I'm sorry! I hope the afternoon was better. The being more sleepy and different behavior-I'd definitely rule out a UTI first.

Dear Sarah,
I am so sorry. The suggestion to check for a UTI is
really good. I suppose it could also be your Mom's
reaction to the progression of the AD. It must be
terribly frightening for her not to recognize you.
I hope things get better for you all soon. Please
keep us posted.
Carol

I agree with the idea that this may be a UTI, or perhaps an interaction to a new medication (if a new one was prescribed). Ask your mother if she has pain after urination, and try to check her temperature. Although these may be absent in a UTI, the abnormally altered mental status coupled with the fatigue and the other symptoms would bring me to think this is a UTI.

After I posted about Mom, I went back to check on her and she was awake and alert and knew me. I helped her dress and she was her usual self the rest of the day.

Thank you for your suggestions about the UTI. She hasn't complained of pain, but she rarely complains about anything. I'll check with her doctor and see about getting her urine tested.

Even though I know nothing stays the same, abrupt changes still rattle me sometimes.

Thank you again.

Sarah,
I am glad Mom was doing better.

I would still have her checked. She could be dealing with a silent (no symptoms) UTI.

Let me tell you they can really do a number on an ADLO!!!!!!!!!

With BFM we battled UTIs for almost a whole year. With every one she got it would have a profound over night effect on her decline.

Even now that we have the bacteria under control when she starts having major sudden mood swings or changes.. I have the hopsice nurse check her. They will treat (or ours will anyway) an UTI because it can bring pain and discomfort.

Once we got the correct antibiotic into her for a few days she would be pretty much back to her normal self again.

Grits I am glad to hear your mom is doing a bit better. I am sorry you had such a difficult morning.

Agree with still getting her checked. I know for myself, on the rare occasions I have had UTIs, I have no symptom other than having to go a lot. No pain, burning, nothing like that. And since going a lot is a subjective thing, she may not even be aware of going more than normal.

Grits,
Wouldn't you like to be in their minds for just one day? Even one hour!
It would be so much easier to understand this terrible disease.

This morning: Mom: I'd like to take a shower this morning.
Me: Ok---I go into the bathroom, turn on the tub.
Mom: Oh, I don't think I can take a shower, I'm dizzy.
Me: Ok, want to wait awhile, and see if it passes?
Mom: No, I'd better not, maybe tomorrow.
Me: ok, good idea. I go in the laundry room, start sorting out the clothes.
Mom: Jackie, aren't you going to start the shower for me?
Me: But you said----never mind, be right there!

Geez, go figure!

Jackie

Grits,

So glad this morning was better.

Taking care of mom involves a lot of on-the-job training. Good thing caregivers are exceptionally quick and adaptable, isn't it?