Hair trigger temper...new symptom?

mainstreetmarshall

My DW is in just the beginnings of this process but these past 2 weeks a new problem cropped up and Im wondering if this is the dementia at work or something else. She's always been "disagreeable" but lately, any small infraction or what she perceives as a slight towards her triggers a near screaming match. Is this common?

John1965

This happened to us too, and lasted a couple of years. DW was then at an early enough stage to comprehend her failings and felt broken. The short temper was a natural reaction to her own processing of the stages of grief. It was horrible. Two things mellowed her out: she got through menopause (she was only 50 when diagnosed); and her neurologist put her on a low dose of an antidepressant, Lexapro. Those years were, so far, the hardest.

Ed1937

Hi Marshall. There is a very good chance this is not the problem, but it could be a UTI causing it. A UTI can cause mild to very severe symptoms, and it might be worth it to have her tested for a UTI. The test is simple, and if you should have it done, please ask for a culture on the specimen. Cultures will give them the best information on what to use to cure the infection, if there is one. Best of luck to you.

M1

Marshall, Ed is right that new symtpoms should always prompt an assessment of any new intervening factors like UTI---but you may also want to look up "catastrophic reactions."  My partner is stage 4-5 and has these on sensitive issues (currently driving).  Kind of like a toddler's temper tantrum.