Two weeks ago mum told me my Dad had gone missing, he is 85. She said he had gone out and not returned, but a stranger had turned up and he will not leave.
Unfortunately my parents aren't local (they live a 6 hour drive away), but I ring them every day, and visit every few months.
I spoke to Dad and he confirmed he was there, but Mum said she didn't recognise him, and mum was convinced it was not 'her husband' she has been telling family, friends & neighbours that her husband is missing.
Three months ago (October) while I was staying with my parents for a few days, she woke from an evening sleep on the sofa, and looked confused, saying my Dad was a burglar and she refused to let him sleep in her bed. We thought she was confused following her sleep, the next day she laughed about it,but kept saying "I really didn't recognise him"
Up until two weeks ago, she has seemed fine and didn't mention her not recognising my Dad.
Mum recognises everyone else facially and via telephone. She doesn't seem confused about anything else at all.
Mum has seen her GP, she has had bloods & urine tests to exclude infections ect - these were all normal. A memory test was done (she was with the GP over an hour), she passed everything asked, with no memory concerns. My Dad was with her, but she kept telling the Dr he was a stranger and not her husband. Her Dr, a couple of neighbours and one family member have been to their home to try to reinforce Dad was her husband.
Can this one isolated confusion (not recognising Dad), be a symptom of Dementia?
Should I keep telling my mum it is her husband and ask her questions, or listen to her telling me it isn't him?
The only other things I've noticed is Mum is talking lots about 'the old days' her childhood, my childhood and flitting from one topic to another (but she's done this for a few years) Also she used to be using her mobile phone, what's app messaging me everyday and calling me. But now I have to call her on the landline, she doesn't response to her mobile.
My parents have always been very independent and proud, they are both saying they don't need me to go.
I'm am an only child and miles away, worrying and not knowing what to think or do. Any advice would be gratefully received please.
Unfortunately my parents aren't local (they live a 6 hour drive away), but I ring them every day, and visit every few months.
I spoke to Dad and he confirmed he was there, but Mum said she didn't recognise him, and mum was convinced it was not 'her husband' she has been telling family, friends & neighbours that her husband is missing.
Three months ago (October) while I was staying with my parents for a few days, she woke from an evening sleep on the sofa, and looked confused, saying my Dad was a burglar and she refused to let him sleep in her bed. We thought she was confused following her sleep, the next day she laughed about it,but kept saying "I really didn't recognise him"
Up until two weeks ago, she has seemed fine and didn't mention her not recognising my Dad.
Mum recognises everyone else facially and via telephone. She doesn't seem confused about anything else at all.
Mum has seen her GP, she has had bloods & urine tests to exclude infections ect - these were all normal. A memory test was done (she was with the GP over an hour), she passed everything asked, with no memory concerns. My Dad was with her, but she kept telling the Dr he was a stranger and not her husband. Her Dr, a couple of neighbours and one family member have been to their home to try to reinforce Dad was her husband.
Can this one isolated confusion (not recognising Dad), be a symptom of Dementia?
Should I keep telling my mum it is her husband and ask her questions, or listen to her telling me it isn't him?
The only other things I've noticed is Mum is talking lots about 'the old days' her childhood, my childhood and flitting from one topic to another (but she's done this for a few years) Also she used to be using her mobile phone, what's app messaging me everyday and calling me. But now I have to call her on the landline, she doesn't response to her mobile.
My parents have always been very independent and proud, they are both saying they don't need me to go.
I'm am an only child and miles away, worrying and not knowing what to think or do. Any advice would be gratefully received please.