Irrational thinking

lillyotl176

Not making sound dental care decisions. History repeating itself with her health. “I’m in charge”. How do you let someone suffer because of poor choices hoping they will eventually see the light? Not diagnosed with Alz or dementia at this time.

H1235

Welcome. If it is dementia there will probably be no point in trying to reason with them. Most with dementia have anosognosia. This means they are not able to recognize their symptoms or limitations. Im sorry, but I doubt they will ever see the light. You will ALWAYS be wrong (in their eyes). Bringing up these things will only cause problems. It’s best to avoid mentioning anything they have problems with if at all possible. To get things done you work around them. I would recommend you contact the doctor and explain all the symptoms you are seeing and express your concerns and ask for a referral. If there is a patient portal your loved one doesn’t use or you can set up for them, this is a great way to contact the doctor. Once you have an appointment tell your loved one they have an annual physical or the doctor wants to see them about their blood pressure or the appointment is required to keep insurance current (whatever you think they will agree to). Getting a durable power of attorney is very very important. I would recommend telling them that since they are getting older this is something that is a good idea to have done. Maybe even tell them you have decided to take care of these legal matters now as well. I don’t know how you can get them to the dentist. It takes some creative thinking. If they are suffering with anxiety and anger the doctor might be willing to prescribe something. Even that might be a battle. Mom told me at one point she didn’t need medication for her “so called problems with her #-&% mood”. Again I had to use a work around. I waited a few days til she had cooled down and told her the medication was a new vitamin the doctor wanted her to take. Medication can take a bit to figure out and take effect. Maybe then you could get your lo to agree to the dentist. It’s hard! I will attach a few resources that may be helpful.

Anosognosia and Dementia - AgingCare.com.pdf

DBAT.pdf