Help for Mom who is 67 and has rapid decline

KforMom

I’m new here and looking for some help/guidance. My 67-year-old mother started forgetting words early in the year, but in the last couple months she has declined rapidly to the point where she doesn’t think her home (of 37 years) is her home, and she forgot who my dad was. She still knows my name, but today she forgot I am her daughter. I am wondering if this rapid decline is normal or indicative of another type of dementia. Her father (my grandfather) died from Alzheimer’s, but he was significantly older (83 when he died), and we don’t have an official diagnosis for my mom at this point. (She sees neuro on Tuesday.)  Right now my dad is taking care of her 24/7, and I cover when he will be away for an extended period of time, but is it safe to leave her on her own for short periods of time? How do you know when it’s time to bring in professional help? Any thoughts, suggestions, or words of encouragement would be appreciated. 

Thank you!

Arrowhead

My wife is a year younger than your mother and was diagnosed five years ago. In 2020, she declined rapidly. This year her symptoms have been very steady and some have even improved slightly. It's a roller coaster ride, down for a while and then up again, then back down again. The only thing that you can expect is the unexpected. As for leaving her on her own and how much professional care is needed at this point is something you should discuss with her neurologist.

LicketyGlitz

Hey K, I think you are suspecting that's it either time, or getting close to time to make sure she has supervision at all times. Your gut is probably telling you so? I would think you're about right at this point. Is your dad feeling the same thing?

Did you get a bracelet for her in case she wanders? There are actually some really pretty ones from Lauren's Hope that she may super dig! https://www.laurenshope.com/womens-medical-id-jewelry

I'm sure the neuro will have additional information for your whole family that will be helpful, but I believe a lot of us family caregivers further down the road than you have figured out that the person who is the expert on your dementia loved one is you - the caregivers who know best what behaviors and triggers are haunted your dementia person. I came to understand that professional advice was always welcomed, but my sister and I's gut instinct was usually the best indicator of what our mom needed when.

Good luck to you, your mom and your dad!