After some advice re my parent

DCFC79

Not sure why Im posting, I guess Im after some advice, who I can contact about it or if anything I can do.

Lately my mum seems to be getting days of the week mixed up, dont know why, its only been say last month for example I texted her yesterday to say id be home on Monday and we could have so and so for tea, she replied back with "ok see you tomorrow", the other instances have been similar to this. Anyone else experienced this ? She's been for an Alzheimer's test and that was all ok.

silvercar

I guess days seem to merge if you don't have anything that distinguishes them from each other.

Working people would be aware that Monday is the first day back to work after the weekend. If you don't work and don't have special weekend activities there is less to distinguish each day. Tuesday's often feel like Mondays after a bank holiday.

DCFC79

silvercar said:

I guess days seem to merge if you don't have anything that distinguishes them from each other.

Working people would be aware that Monday is the first day back to work after the weekend. If you don't work and don't have special weekend activities there is less to distinguish each day. Tuesday's often feel like Mondays after a bank holiday.

She doesn't work anymore so it makes sense, a craft class, exercise class. She stopped working years ago and was fine until say the last month. Anything I can do ?

elsien

84 year old parent’s memory is going a little - it’s not dementia in her case, it’s a normal part of the aging process and she can be the same with days of the week
.
So I will tell her something about an arrangement and if she doesn’t write it down then it’s gone. Parent is aware of this so take steps to work around it. 

I also think that if one day is very similar to another it is quite hard to keep track of which is which. 

If she starts to get more confused about other things, then there is the possibility of an infection which could be investigated. 

Have you talked to your mum about it and what does she think?

Keep_pedalling

Probably just age related forgetfulness, but the one thing she should do if not done already is put lasting powers of attorney in place in case she ever does lose her mental capacity.

J63320

I read in an article recently - probably in The Guardian but sorry I can’t find it now - that the simple memory tests that GPs do are often not very good at detecting early signs of dementia. IIRC, the point being made was that GPs should listen to family members who are noticing gradual changes. Do try to get your Mum referred for further tests. There’s nothing to lose if she’s fine, but if she is starting with dementia there are now drugs that can delay the effects, and the earlier she starts taking them the more effective they will be.

Silvertabby

A simple urine infection can cause memory lapses, amongst other things.  Can you get her checked out for this?

pollypenny

I often have to check what day it is, as do most of my friends. If I wasn't in school, I'd wonder. 

Any other symptoms?  

Mojisola

I'm at home all the time.  I have a calendar in the kitchen - where it's very visible - and I cross off the day before going to bed so I know what the day/date is the next morning.  When you don't have a routine to set the days by, it's easy to start free-wheeling.

Unless you spot other symptoms, I wouldn't worry at the moment.

Slinky

Silvertabby said:

A simple urine infection can cause memory lapses, amongst other things.  Can you get her checked out for this?

I was going to suggest this be considered. My MIL has UTIs occasionally, and a dodgy memory is certainly a symptom of this in her case.

DCFC79

elsien said:

84 year old parent’s memory is going a little - it’s not dementia in her case, it’s a normal part of the aging process and she can be the same with days of the week
.
So I will tell her something about an arrangement and if she doesn’t write it down then it’s gone. Parent is aware of this so take steps to work around it. 

I also think that if one day is very similar to another it is quite hard to keep track of which is which. 

If she starts to get more confused about other things, then there is the possibility of an infection which could be investigated. 

Have you talked to your mum about it and what does she think?

Haven't had the chance to, I dont live far but its half hour drive away. I will discuss it with her.