As the neurologist put it, he has never seen such a thing in his 2 decades of practice! Dreadful words from a healthcare professional!
She has nightmares, depression, extreme self pity, thinks that she has done horrible things. At some point mentioned that she was hearing voices that told her not eat or bathe,etc. She is soooo scared.
I have to mention that this symptoms only took approximately 6 weeks to worsen. That's why the neurologist didn't think it was dementia or schizophrenia or Alzheimer's. 😪
Sometimes she thinks that the house will explode and everybody will die. If it rains a lot, she thinks that she caused the flood.
We introduced her to Christ and she reads the Bible now and then. She goes to church with us. And seems to like it.
The problem is that she knows that there is something wrong with her. She knows that her thought process is very circular but she cannot get out of it.
We need help to figure out what to do.
Is this temporary or permanent?
If there are any Christians out there please pray for her.
Thank you.
So many times an accurate diagnosis can't be made until the condition advances further. You may want to ask the neurologist to refer you to a neuropsychologist who is trained to conduct a more definitive test. These sessions can take a full day with a break for lunch. It's more than frustrating not knowing what you're dealing with, but further testing by the appropriate clinician can help.
I am sorry that you and your mother are having to deal with this. It must be very scary for her and I know it is worrying for you.
You have my prayers. ((((((hugs)))))
I feel that not having answers to problems is the toughest part.
If we know what is going on, then we can either formulate a plan to move forward, or grow towards acceptance of whatever can’t be changed if the situation is untreatable.
If we are hanging in limbo, we feel hopeless.
I am glad that you have your faith to comfort your family. At times like this, I am sure that you rely on faith to carry you through.
I love the poem, ‘Footprints In The Sand.’ We all go through periods in our lives that we don’t know how to reach the other side.
About 10 years ago a friend's sister in law started acting incredibly erratically. She was in her mid 60's and was a trained accountant. Her husband had died 7 months earlier and she was living with her younger brother and my friend. They were at their wits end, and I and another friend who is a nurse suggested an ER Dump.
The ER doctor was fantastic. He was young, compassionate and took the time to ask her questions. He asked what her husband died of and a light bulb went on. Her husband had worked in Asbestos mines. He died of a cancer caused by Asbestos exposure.
Now the new medical guidelines are that is a man worked in Asbestos mines, his wife and family need to be tested for exposure too. This young ER doc knew this and sent her for an MRI, then and there. She had several lesions on her brain caused by Asbestos.
There was no cure, there was no treatment, but the family had answers and were able to provide comfort care at home until she died.
Sometimes it is a physical issue that causes dementia like symptoms.
Also she lost so much weight! I am trying to make her eat and snacks but she is not always compliant.
Any ideas?