Hello all...A few years ago I moved home with my mother when it became apparent that her periodic memory loss was not an aging phase. Now she is 82 (I am 42) and the problems are becoming more acute. She has trouble negotiating unfamiliar spaces (stores, small or large groups of people), and although her life has become routinized, this too is beginning to shrink as the months continue. She is aware that this is happening, which is very upsetting to her and is causing her to be depressed and withdrawn from social activites. I am awarethat there is little I or the neurologist can do, so actually I need the help, I think.
I need to be told that I am not alone and that there are others out there like me who are in my position. I will never understand how fearful she is, all I can do is tell everyone else that sometimes I am terrified as well.

Help!

John Masters

John,

I assume you mean Mild Cognitive Impairment. My dad was diagnosed with that 8 years ago and has since progressed to a definitive Primary Progressive Aphasia and now is more or less your typical "dementia" pt. His father died of Alzheimer's ~7 years ago. He was TERRIFIED of having the same issues his dad did. My father was notably distraught by his progression through these stages. Thankfully now, I would say he doesn't know the difference. We use humor in our family to deal with the pain and stress. He makes threatening gestures towards us and we make jokes amongst ourselves. How else can you deal with this new, mean, angry person in your home?
It sounds like you are working as an advocate for your mom. Good Job! Keep it up. When it gets rough, just remember this, too, is just a phase and soon this behavior will no longer be an issue.

Best of luck!