Alzheimer's Disease Support Group

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration with declining activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. An early symptom is memory loss (amnesia), usually manifesting as minor forgetfulness that becomes pronounced with illness progression, with relative...

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hardycat
hardycat
I realize that Alzheimer's causes memory loss and sometimes severe agitation, but I've noticed that my mom seems to change events for example, she searches for objects she never had for example, my mom never liked diamonds she always preferred pearls but yet she goes around looking for her lost diamond engagement ring she never had to begin with. Is this a symptom of Alzheimer's or does she have other psychiatric issues as well?
Deborah48
Deborah48
I would say probably normal, my husband would talk about jobs he never had, places he never went to. I think they hear or see something and the brain can't determine if it is something that really happened or did they just see it on TV or in a magazine, etc.
Jamr41
Jamr41
And they forget the correct names for things and substitute another.
I laughed when my husband said he rode his horse to the golf course. He meant his bike.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think that is normal. My husband also talks about jobs he never had or places he has never been. And I've learned to never argue with him about it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I find that both of my parents have recreated history. Things that I can prove happened a certain way they will remember differently. And nothing I say can change it. I'm learning to just say "yes".
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think it is a "normal" symptom of the disease.My MIL will soon be 90 years old.She continuously looks for the baby she had,last month.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It may help to remember that Alzheimer's is a brain disease. The loss of memory is only a part of the disease as brain cells die. Try not to think of this behavior as her personality issue or lying. What memories are left are mixed up, reality is not true, lack of control over anger, picking at skin, loss of appetite, etc. The brain can't work the same. All different for everyone but generally follow a pattern as the brain stops working. Then for some people add to this other physical illness and medication and there are a whole other set of issues.

My mother is 91 and swears the clothes she has on are from her high school years. She thinks I'm her sister or mother. My mom mixes some of my life history in with hers.

http://www.alzinfo.org/clinical-stages-of-alzheimers#7
I find this article and the discussion of what is normal for most people and then to when Alzheimer's is diagnosed to be very helpful.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree with all above and particular with Deb in so far as sometimes reality, TV and what they hear others say all of a sudden becomes part of their own life.

I think this is normal as far as Alzheimer's goes. They have crossed the line between real and imagination in many instances. Best not to argue, just go along and redirect attention.I know that is easier said than done asometimes, but it is best for both of you. :)