thank god you wrote. My partner of 10 years, ms for the last three, progressive ms for the last year goes through these bouts of ripping me and others a new asshole every once in awhile. His mother even gets in the line of fire. Our most recent episode was today and I was useless lazy and worthless and have done nothing to help him ever. short term memory is shot but long term not so much, please keep me posted, Michael

I totally understand that Michael. So far my "Mike" hasn't been mean to me about helping him but he is horrible to his wife. Personally I think she's a saint for putting up with it. He accuses her of stealing all his money, and treating him like a baby. He tells her all the time that he doesn't really love her and she should just leave. But she just tells herself he doesn't mean it and stays by his side.

This is a good topic dementia. I understand there are different types? Is dementia different than alzheimers? My mom might have dementia. Her moods are swinging. Thank God I found a geriatric assessment doctor c/o the local hospital who does two assessments a day, so it should be pretty thorough-my mom is going this Thursday and hopefully we will know the diagnosis. Just knowing will be good. I hope you take good care of yourself.

I thought maybe I should explain a little of the odd behavior that I am seeing. He is hoarding (sp?) He collects any little piece of junk or as my daughter says.. "shiny things" that he finds while out for a walk. Like old nuts, bolts, and screws. He locks everything in his bedroom so no one can touch his stuff. He takes the keys with him so we can't get in. He spends countless hours at night cleaning and sorting these things. He fills up old pill bottles or yogurt cups with them. He also likes to go out in the sun wearing only a thong. When his daughter lived here he used to steal hers. She has since moved away so he goes to the store and buys them in the girls section. He also only wears girls spandex pants. I am not sure if this is a physical issue... if it's just more comfortable, or a behavior thing. It's hard to tell because when you try to talk to him you rearly get more than a one word answer. On days when it's hot and he's not laying in the sun he will go for a walk totally overdressed. He might put on several layers of clothes. They don't have a working vehicle because he takes everything apart, including the cars. He wanders away from home and we have to go looking for him. I don't know if he forgets how to get back or if he's just too tired. He says he's tired but I'm not sure. He carries a cell phone but doesn't know ow to use it. Usually a stranger finds him and calls us for help.

Jackie, are you talking about your family member? That is so sad!