Nothing makes sense anymore

Tross760

The last two weeks my mom has been going into her own place mentally. (Tested for UTI- negative) from the time mom gets up- she just stares around like she has no clue what is going on. Sometimes she will walk around and then stand somewhere for a while. The last couple mornings, she gets up and for at least 45 minutes makes basic statements that make zero sense whatsoever. She has been wanting to get in bed the last few days at about 6 pm- even before she has eaten. I wish it was a UTI but it isn’t. Is this just another step down the path? When I try and talk with her she just stares at me for a while and then says “nothing” or that she is just going to go to bed. 

I hate this disease. 

LicketyGlitz

Hey Tross, yeah, if you guys have ruled out UTI it sounds like basic progression. My mom did a lot of sitting and staring out the window when she was about 2-3 years into her diagnosis. If you two go on a walk or a drive is she more alert to her surroundings? Is there activities you were doing before that she'd participate in, like cooking or something that have fallen by the wayside?

My mom came out of that stage and became more energetic, although still had no clue as to what was going on! But was usually not too opposed to adventures my sister and I would plan for her.

If I was in your shoes I'd reach out to her primary care physician, or a geriatric psych doctor if one is available to you, and discuss the changes. See if there's any medication that may help her out. It may be depression - quite common in dementia folks because, well, they have dementia! Or she may be getting hit with sundowning in the form of additional sleeping, or it could be seasonal? As the day grows dark she too gets dark inside and uses sleep to escape?

Okay, now I'm just guessing! Keep your eyes open for clues and check with her care team too. Good luck to you both!

abc123

Ditto to what Lickety said. I'm sorry this is happening.

Tross760

Mom is being treated by her psych for the depression portion already, she had a really rough go when she was diagnosed after a UTI and major behavioral problems. I am hoping it is something she is just moving through and it changes.

jfkoc

I am assuming the UTI test was done by a medical professional. The strips are just not reliable. That said I would call her Dr (s). I would not assume it was a decline.

Tross760

Hello jfkoc, 

Yes it was a lab test for UTI. I am going to have to reach out to her doctor (s) as I have no idea what is going on. 

RanchersWife

Sounds pretty normal. We are at the same stage you guys are. She says, “I don’t know” a lot.