My mother really was very bright up till a very short while ago - only a few weeks really. She had been getting uncertain about things, with the fact that she is partially sighted and in pain a lot with her back, so it is possible I suppose, that this was creeping in and I put it down to this. A few weeks ago she started to get the days muddled (mind you, I do this..!) - in that she would keep asking me when things were happening and didnt seem to be able to retain when, what time and where.

Then today she suddenly announced that she didnt think she would send a close friend of hers a card this coming Christmas as she hadnt been to see her this year! This was an extraordinary thing for my mother to say, anyway, as she is friendly with a lot of people, friends and family. But this friend only visited about six weeks ago! she lives in Spain and was over in Sussex to see her sisters and came to see mum specially, which was a long journey by train and takes hours. She always comes without fail every year about the same time. I was astonished and reminded mum of this, but she laughed at me and said no, she definitely hadnt been here this year. I started to exclaim at this, but she was so certain I felt I had better leave it or I would upset her.

Would this be the beginning of Alzheimers, the result of a mini-stroke or just age-related dementia perhaps? Though my father had Alzheimers it is difficult to remember back to when he first became ill - I know he gradually became a bit strange and looking back had signs for perhaps a couple of years before diagnosis. I really dont want this to happen to my mother *sigh*.........but there must be something wrong? or could it just be old age - I havnt much experience of 90 year olds, am learning as I go.....

Would be so grateful for any help or ideas about this ........ I never thought she could get any cognitive problems she has always been so bright and on the ball...