New to this(8)

Arlo2021

My Mother in law has vascular dementia and it is something she has had for a while.

She was able to hide it from others but she is getting worse.

She seems to swing wildly from a near catatonic state to a reasonable level of functioning (1 to 6 on a 10 point scale).

She has been to numerous doctors and there does not appear to be a medical reason for this.

Is this behavior normal for someone with vascular dementia ?

Marta

Argo. On this site we use a shorthand to communicate our loved ones’ level of functioning, using the 7 stages of dementia found on the home page. 

Could you rephrase your question using this method?

Arlo2021

There are many different metrics used to estimate what stage of dementia a person may be at.  You mention the 7 stage method which is a popular one but not the only one.

In my situation, my MIL goes from what appears to be late stage (6 or 7) down to a moderate stage (3 or 4) and then back up to late stage.  

Has anyone else encountered this situation ?

mommyandme (m&m)

I’m reading your 1-10 scale as the level of Catatonia, similar to the pain scale of 1-10.  1 being a low level of catatonia and 10 being completely catatonic.  If I’m wrong, sorry.  

I would think the medical reason for her problem is dementia?  Mental problems that affect metabolism is often a cause for catatonia.  Has she ever been diagnosed with being bi-polar? 

Seems like maybe this is her presentation of this disgusting disease.  I’m so sorry for this, your journey.  Peaceful thoughts being sent your way.  

Zaellan

Can you give the link to the 7 stages?  I think I need evaluate my loved one and I would know which stage she is either.

quartlow2

I've never heard of it being part of vascular dementia but I'm certainly no expert. I don't see anything here about it either: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vascular-dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378793

KFRAKES

My father will do the same. Up and down a lot.