I'm not really sure where to start or what answers I'm really looking for if I'm honest. My mum is in her early 60s and lives alone has a long history of mental health problem (depression and anxiety) and has taken medication for as long as I've been alive (I'm late 20s). Around 10-15 years ago she started with physical pain and was given a diagnosis to explain this, symptoms of this condition also included 'brain fog' which has been used to explain her deteriorating memory and ability to form sentences. However over the past 18 months I have noticed a significant change in her ability to cope with day to day events, unable to understand simple questions or engage in conversations, no longer able to read and I have started needing to intercept most of her mail. Recently her friends have raised their concerns to me also (they've noticed she doesn't make sense when talking, doesn't seem to listen etc), it's almost like there is a block in her brain. Other concerns to me are things like not recognising people or names of those she has known for years. She forgot my nieces name though not that she existed. I'm unsure if this is dementia or Alzheimer's as she doesn't have some symptoms such as thinking things are being stolen etc, is this a symptom everyone gets? My sister and I visited the GP this week (my mum wouldn't come) and he agreed he that her symptoms are more severe than what she should be experiencing with her current diagnosis. We have arranged another appointment for later this week which my mum has said she will come to though mearly said she was sorry I was upset (I got emotional when telling her my worries and did not get the motherly hug I would have got some years ago) and became irritated and quite angry about her friend contacting me.
I think more than anything I am frightened of what all this means. My mum and my sister haven't talked for some time though my sister has now made contact and I'm hoping this eases some of the pressure and responsibility from me. I also feel a lot of guilt for wanting her help, she is quite a bit older but has a young family. Also this is my mum and I do want to be there for her but often feel alone in this and that I can't cope. I want to protect her from everything but I don't think she realises how severe and obvious her symptoms are to other people. I also have guilt that I should have gotten her to the GP soon but I think I was in denial and hoped it would go away.
I think more than anything I am frightened of what all this means. My mum and my sister haven't talked for some time though my sister has now made contact and I'm hoping this eases some of the pressure and responsibility from me. I also feel a lot of guilt for wanting her help, she is quite a bit older but has a young family. Also this is my mum and I do want to be there for her but often feel alone in this and that I can't cope. I want to protect her from everything but I don't think she realises how severe and obvious her symptoms are to other people. I also have guilt that I should have gotten her to the GP soon but I think I was in denial and hoped it would go away.