Dementia Support Group

My Father has PD with Lewy Bodies and possibly other forms of dementia mixed in. He's 87 and still very physically healthy like your Mom. I'm so sorry she is experiencing this at such a young age. Just breaks my heart.

I've seen my Father go into sort of blank stares and dizziness, he has slurred his words on occassion, which they felt might be TIA's also. Some of his episodes have been medication related. He experiences such paranoid episodes at times and then other days very clear.

Does your Mom "cycle" up and down in clarity and cognition? Is she on any PD meds or anxiety meds or psychotropics? I have found the littlest things can trigger these episodes, dehydration, infections, lack of sleep, etc.

So far he keeps bouncing back from these and we haven't been able to figure out one unique source. I hope others share information as this is a very difficult combination of diseases to deal with.

I love how she says "her disease", my Dad does the very same thing, "I think that was my Parkinsons". Bless their hearts and bless you for caring for your Mom so well.

Thank you Pounder for your reply. It is the most difficult thing to watch my Mom go through these cycles and my heart hurts that you have to watch your father as well. It's such a helpless feeling. Lately, it's been tough for her and I suspect a uti, so you are so right, I really think it's the infection and I am hoping she bounces back as I have watched her do before.

Yes, my Mom does cycle with clarity and cognition but selfishly, I wish those times lasted longer. It seems they are getting shorter and shorter. She is usually more clear in the AM, but there are those mornings where she is just lost, crying and disoriented..not sure where she is and why. She has the best team of Dr's that work together and her medications are monitored closely and we have watched some of the meds agitate her or make her too "drugged" so the Dr. changes them accordingly. She is on Ativan for sure as she is very anxious without them. She is very concerned my Dad will not be there (he goes everyday) and then in the next minute she says, she is thinking of getting married or talks about wanting to be in a relationship. (Not that clear because she has trouble with her words, but it's still hard to hear in front of my Dad even though he understands) We tease her, your already married for almost 24 years! Sometimes she smiles. She also has said, she wants to be a nun. Unless someone goes through this, and really is involved it's hard to explain the extent of how these diseases just take and take away memory and physical abilities and so fast! One thing that has remained is her pure heart and loving nature. She LOVES her children and at this point lives for the hope they will come to see her. (I have 2 brothers out of state) One will be here in 2 weeks and the other....let's just say he is going to have many regrets.

My dad and I and her private sitter encourage her to drink plenty of water especially now that it is so hot outside. She is going to bed earlier and earlier and I don't know if that is good or not. I know they sometimes have to wake her up at 7pm to give medications. Not a day goes by that I don't grieve. Sometimes it's happening and I don't even know it until the tears fall. I miss her so............She was/is my best friend.

UTI's, I swear are the salt in the wound of this disease. These little infections can cause such havoc with cognition, makes you wonder how it's all connected.

Keep us posted on if this clears a bit after the UTI clears up.

This is a very tough disease, you never know which person will be waiting for you when you go to visit. But you are blessed to know that either one, you still love her and she loves you.

Mom is 95 and in the last stages of dementia. I make sure she gets cranberry juice everyday to help with her urinary tract, even though I have to thicken it for her to eat. She has not had an infection in several years now. She does have a history of TIAs as well, the last one was Nov of 07. She was eating and then "went away" I called 911 but she was back before they got here, I didnt send her to the hospital because they would find nothing just like the other times. I want to post some info on my profile dealing with the stages of dementia, please take a look at it, it has been helpful to me.

I can't find that info, it is in a caregiver forum, and I am trying to find it, I will post it as soon as I can.

Here is a link to a site that gives the stages of dementia, this info is helpful in being able to determine how much your parent is changing.
http://www.omnimedicalsearch.com/c...

Thanks Donna for the info. :-)
Pounder, my mom's Uti test results came back neg. I was happy to hear that but also sad that it isn't the cause. It is most likely the progression of the disease. This AM I was blessed to hear a very clear, in speech and cognition Mom on the phone and we sang "our good morning song" and she didn't miss a word! That was a great feeling. I am thankful to have had that moment.

Sending you all lots of special hugs and much respect for taking care and loving the loved ones in your lives who are suffering with this disease.

My dad has amnestic dementia (age 83). He also had many episodes like this (arm numb, slurred speech). When they first began (over 1 yr. ago) my parents were told to go directly to the hospital, as it could be TIA. After going to the hospital each and everytime, the ct scans and all other tests showed nothing. My dad's neurologist then thought it was seizures. Put him on a terrible med (Keppra)which caused extreme fatigue, worsened memory, etc. Still, the numb episodes continued. AHe went to a seizure specialist who determined he DID NOT have seizures. Went off the med and cognitively is somewhat better. But, interesting that you mentioned that urination could cause these problems. My dad's blood pressure is very low to begin with and he has had episodes like this, which include dizziness and inabiliy to stand up, while on the toilet. This all remains a mystery. His neurologist is acting as if he's "annoyed" with all the questions and calls from my parents. They really need to find someone else. I'll mention to them about UTI..

I thought my Mom had a TIA on her 90th Birthday but after 3 days in the hospital, the Dr's told me it was vaso-vagal syncope. It's when her pressure drops way too low. It mimiced a TIA. The corners of her mouth drooped, she wet herself and appeared to be uncounscious. When she was roused and in the ambulance, she seemed perfectly fine. It;s really rough and I'm sorry your Mom is so young and having this horrible disease, Please know that you are doing everythin you can, even though it doesn't always seem like it.

This can also be a condition known as vaso-vagal syncope. The BP drops so low, a person passes out, urinates and appears to have had a slight stroke. Of course this is just as frightening but not as severe a condition. This happened to my Mom at her 90th birthday party. Then she did have a TIA in the hospital and according to the Drs she will continue to have them. She is at home with me, but it's becoming very difficult. Good luck to you. Hope this helps