The Messenger

I had an entirely different post planned for today but it will have to wait. Late yesterday afternoon I got a call from one of my mom's doctors. He informed me that she is exhibiting signs of early Dementia. I was not surprised but it was still a blow. I have done quite a bit of research and that has made me feel better (knowledge is power) about what caused it and how it can be treated. She will be 79 next month so it does make sense based on the health issues she has had over the last 12 years. She had breast cancer in 2000 and a triple bypass with valve repair in 2007. She has also had a mild stroke which happened in September 2011.  Plus she suffers from depression.  All those things plus the fact she used to be a drinker and smoker bring us to where we are today. The good news is that it is not caused by Alzheimer's which is one of the major causes of Dementia.

Well, I had to be the messenger and tell my mom. Big sigh... She was a little overwhelmed by the news and I did try to explain it the best I could. The plan is to make an appointment with her doctor and I will go with her and they will prescribe meds that will help with the memory issues.  He also stressed the importance of keeping her mind active and getting social stimulation.

It is heartbreaking to watch her mental health decline but it is a part of life. Her and I have been through the ringer together especially since my dad died. There were a few weeks recently that I avoided going to her house but I had to come to terms with her situation on my own. We did talk about it over the weekend and she understood that it was not easy for me and thanked me for all I do for her which was great to hear. Until next time...