I have a question about dementia. My Mom is 82. We recently found out she has heart issues. She refuses to take meds. She is becoming very angry with everyone in the family. She sees people that are not there. She thinks someone is trying to kill her... this is so heart breaking. Please help!
It would probably be a really good idea for the family to start becoming educated about dementia now. Even if this turns out to have another cause, it will be helpful to read about ways to deal with paranoia, hallucinations, ect.
Keep in touch here.
Almost anything can make the dementia worse. The brain is part of the body and whatever affects one part of the body naturally affects all other parts and could accelerate her dementia.
My MIL was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Based on definitions I had read about Alzheimer's, I never believed she had it but she for sure had dementia. Shortly afterwards she had blood work that indicated she had cancer. She didn't get the results for almost a year...long story. By the time she knew she had cancer it had progressed as well as her diabetes was out of control. She died from the cancer fairly soon. I often thought the dementia softened the cancer diagnosis.She had what many considered hallucinations the last few days of her life (on pain meds) but she was lucky as her "visions" gave her comfort. I hope you are able to find a way to treat your moms anger. Its a tough time for your family right now. i'm sure your mom is afraid with the dementia and now the heart pain. It can be hard for any of us to come to grips with really bad news, your mom being no exception. You've been given some good advice to become educated on dementia. This will help not only you and your mom but your extended family as well.