Can dementia happen in one day?

the wrong combination of meds can bring on temporary dementia and hallucinations.

talk to your doctor...

Sorry to hear this. There are several different dementias out there, and if caused by stroke or several small strokes I believe it could happen quickly. I think you need professional help. Wish I had something to offer.

I had a really bad dose of flu in my early 30s. I was seeing all sorts of things. I remember having a heated argument with my mother. When I told my wife about it she said my mother had never visited.

You need to contact her doctor immediately.

Her confusion can be a result of the the flu, or dehydration, or many other things. A person in their 90’s is fragile. I wouldn’t be surprised if she needs to be hospitalized to stabilize her condition.

Take this very seriously, and get immediate professional help.

It seems that my mother's dementia got worse today. She does remember her prayers but she keeps asking for a scissors to finish her invisible "sewing work" on her bed and keeps asking for a clock to see the time. But when I place these things in front of her, she doesn't know what to do with them. I will contact her doctor about this. My mother was prepared to die from this flu. Three days ago she called all our family together to say her farewell and seemed to be very happy at seeing them. I hope they will all remember her as she was. Since I am the only one not working, I will take care of her.

Stop posting about this and get her help!

She needs to be hospitalized ASAP!

Jesus seac, you’re a grown person. Do you not realize how serious this is?

From some of what you have indicated of her mental state, she may have had a mild stroke or even a few (in different parts of the brain). When my mother had bypass surgery, she suffered a series of mini strokes. It caused her further vision difficulties and reverted her to speaking only French (although she understood English).

Whatever it is, Get her to a doctor or hospital emergency room at once!

I hope you have taken your mother to see a doctor or to a hospital today.

I took my mother to her Doctor today. Diagnosis wasn't very good news. She can be kept comfortable at home or at a hospital. Doctor says it could be delirium from not eating anything for 5 days but needs a specialist for proper diagnosis. She had only water, a little juice, and a little protein drink during that time. She would choke on solid foods. She does have periods of clear thinking. Her time is coming to an end.

At this point in life, where I had practically lived for my mother in caring for her, it suddenly has become very lonely. All other family members have moved out into their own homes. Today I took her to the emergency ward. She is dying in the hospital even as they try to save her. They discovered she has pneumonia in one lung. She was also dehydrated and low in sodium. She is now practically blind. Her mental state and overall weakness is attributed to her old age. She still called out my name in a sweet voice. I will never forget her.

It’s unfortunate you didn’t call 911 and have her hospitalized 3 days ago to address the pneumonia, dehydration and screwed up electrolytes. I’m very sorry for her that you let it get to this point. The preventable suffering she’s gone through in the past 72 hours didn’t have to happen. You and others may think me cruel for saying that, but we all know it’s true. I’ve witnessed family members neglect and let their “loved ones” suffer like this, all the while crying that “there was nothing I could do”. My heart goes out to this poor woman, but not you.

Hey, tell yourself whatever gets you through the night.

Sorry to read that you and she are having to go through this.

Keep in mind she is not dead yet and may rebound while in the hospital. Pneumonia can be treated. The dysphagia (inability to swallow) can be treated in many cases and there are alternate methods of getting nutrition (although neither a P.E.G. nor a tube invading the esophagus is fun).

As to being lonely and alone, it will go by and you will start to heal. Make calls to family and friends, get outside, try to get involved in something outside your home and meet new faces and people.


Curious, Why did you let her go 5 days without real sustenance before seeking help?

My mother's wishes on her death was discussed a couple of days before her illness. Maybe it was her premonition or maybe she knew her body was failing. She told me she will be dying soon and she was already eating very little. We discussed where her cremation will be done, how much money to give to my sisters from her estate, how long before posting it in the obituary, when to have her church services, etc..It was she who called all the family together for a farewell. Maybe I am using this flu as a excuse for her present condition. When it happened, I thought it was something that she will get through with the medications. I didn't know her doctor would be so shallow in diagnosis. At the hospital today, the iv fluids did give her a better appearance, but she is still very weak and saying to let her die. It seems her delirium have stopped but she goes in and out of consciousness. There are similar patients around her and their folks are going through the same thing. End of life is such a sad time.

There was a complication that occured after draining my mother's lung for fluid. Internal bleeding. She passed away last night.

sorry for your loss...

Condolences.

Sorry to hear this.

So sorry for your loss.