My mom keeps waking up at 3 AM and saying that she’s in a box she saying she needs to get out of the box I don’t understand why she feels that way. I’m very worried and concerned for her well-being. I’ve spoke with her doctors about her medicines that she takes, and if any of them can cause hallucinations, because sometimes she talks to people that are not there or she thinks that a cat is scratching her leg when there’s nothing on her leg, very worried about her this morning. I woke up to the front door open and her screaming help. She’s only 64 years old and I feel like that’s very young. I feel like she has a whole lot more life to live and I pray every day that she gets better , spells of her forgetfulness has put a deep concern on my heart. I’m worried for her. I need advice. Last time we went to the hospital, they said that she did not have a UTI, which usually came cause a flareup in forgetfulness or sleepwalking, which are supposedly signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia. I just want her happy and back to the way she used to be she’s been very aggressive With not only me but other family members including the children and her own pet. I wish there was someway to reverse this situation so she was back to her old happy self. I need some advice.
How does someone so young(I too am a young 64 with none of those issues)end up with all those health issues unless they took absolutely no care of themselves all their life?
Now I certainly understand if your mom has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's for some of the issues, but has she actually been diagnoses with that?
If not I would get her scheduled with a good neurologist to have her tested, so you can get a better and more clear picture as to what exactly is going on with her, as something just isn't adding up here.
Perhaps she's on too many medications that aren't playing well with one another. I would have a consult with her doctor/pharmacist to make sure that isn't the case.
Again 64 is so young to have all those issues and to be on a lot of medications(I being 64 only take a Claritin every day for my allergies). I do hope and pray that you can get things figured out soon, because if your mom in fact has early onset Alzheimer's that can go on for 20+ years, so you'll have to get your/her ducks in a row.
Is your Mom on any meds for her depression, anxiety, aggression? If not, why not? Dementia robs people of their ability to bring their minds and emotions to a place of calm, so medication usually is needed. This is merciful for her, and to your family. If your Mom has a regular primary provider you can request a video appointment to discuss the meds. If she's not cooperative you can video her behavior, or just keep calling 911 and taking her to the ER when she has hallucinations. From that point her primary should have enough evidence to prescribe something.
Also, does your Mom have her legal ducks in a row? PoA? If so and you are her designated PoA please read the document to make sure you've met the criteria for being active (usually requires a medical diagnosis by her doctor on their clinic letterhead). Then take that paperwork the all her clinics and financial institutions so that you can manage her affairs.
If she has not assigned a PoA, then you have a lot less power to protect her and manage her affairs. I recommend a consultation with an elder law attorney to see what the options are.
You have to know that mom will not get better no matter how much you pray. You can not reverse the situation so she gets back to her old happy self.
This, the world of dementia is your and her new reality.
This is what you have to adjust to.
You can still enjoy times with her and make memories for you.
You need to tell her that she is safe.
You need to tell her that you are there for her.
64 is young. That is the age my Husband was when he was diagnosed. He survived for about 12 years after the diagnosis. (I do not want to say he lived because that was not they way he wanted to live)
You need to learn what you can.
You need to know you can not care for her yourself. You will need to get help.
Get mom in an Adult Day Program if there is one in your area. It will give her a break, give you a break and you both need that.
Look for programs that will help.
If mom is a Veteran (thank her for her Service) the VA may have programs that may help.