Dementia vs ALZ

Daisie

Hi! Are there any behavioral or communication differences between the two? Is it possible to have a little of both? My mom hasn't been formally diagnosed with ALZ, just dementia, but apparently, her doctor thinks she's having some crossover symptoms.

My 90-year-old mom has pretty much decided over the last couple of weeks that I'm not her biological daughter and that she "got me from somewhere but doesn't know where." Of course, at first, I fought back, trying to convince her that she is my bio mom. I've softened quite a bit, but is there a more "appropriate" way to respond to her? Seems kinda pointless to keep arguing about it anymore, just need to change my mindset and communication!

Anonymousjpl123

I’m definitely not an expert but that seems par for the course for both dementia and Alzheimer’s specifically. It’s very jarring!

One of the best tools I learned is not arguing, trying to see what’s going on, and redirecting. I truly didn’t think I could do it at first.

Basically you pause, check in with yourself, and then try to figure out where your mom is at. One time I took my mom to my house too long (one of our last visits) and when we went back to MC she was utterly convinced I wasn’t her daughter. I was an imposter, posing as her daughter. Back then she still had her cell phone and they had to delete my name. It was crazy. Part of what I didn’t know (yet) is to not get too worked up about things.

Now, when she refers to my sister, or “our mother,” or the other me (she sometimes thinks there are 3 people with my name who visit her), I just don’t get too worked up about. She says “I was really mad at your sister for being late yesterday” and I say “yeah, she does that, it must be very frustrating.”

The sad truth is that regardless of the specific form of dementia there is little that changes, except medication. I would ask your doctor about that. Hang in there. I hate to say it, but you will get used to this new way of communicating and you will find your rhythm.

mabelgirl

frankly I’m a little confused about what you’ve been told. Dementia its self is not a disease but an umbrella term to cover several symptoms of a malfunctioning brain. You should read on this site and other places about different diseases that present dementia symptoms. Not that, in my opinion, does it really make a difference in what you’re experiencing.

At this point with my mom with my mom I respond with nonconfrontational responses. She’ll say I took her necklace while she was upstairs showering and I was downstairs cooking. She thinks I have some magical mechanical gadgets that takes her stuff. At this point I just say no but if you want help finding I can help. You can’t make someone whose brain is not connecting see reason. Just remind yourself it’s not the person but a broken brain.

Prayers for patience and understanding.

janeedee

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/69683/dementia-vs-alz

it is possible to have both or a mixed dementia diagnosis. My DH blood work determined ALZ and cognitive tests determined VD. A CT revealed 2 prior strokes. I just review the info on the staging sheets to try to get an idea of where he is as determined by behaviors for each stage.

Quilting brings calm

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia. There are several others. Not all doctors want to give you a specific diagnosis, so they will say it is unspecified dementia.
It sounds like your LO’s doctor is hinting that they have mixed dementia. Alzheimer’s and one of the others, most likely some of their symptoms don’t fit the Alzheimer’s guidelines.

SusanB-dil

MIL has mixed dementias - she has vascular and alz. yes, 'dementia' is an umbrella term for several different types. The only difference that might make is that some medications respond or are adverse to different dementia diagnoses.

My mom thinks I am her sister. We were never close, but she is nicer to me now that I am 'T'. It shouldn't amuse me, but it does. Because I do prefer her being nicer, of course. When she sees me or calls (brother put pictures with the phone numbers, of the few she has) "Hi 'T' how are you?" "Oh, fine, how's your day going?" With my family resemblance, I am 'her younger sister'.

MIL has no idea who I am any longer. That is upsetting, but you go with the flow.

Rule #1 - don't argue with a PWD. also Rule #1 - take care of yourself. Rule #2 - see rule #1.