My mother-in-law seems to be experiencing rapid short-term memory loss

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In the last few months she's declined significantly, can't hold a thought or memory for more than 20 minutes. She's 69 (I think), recently retired. It's been obvious for a while, but not to this extent. My wife went up to spend a day or two with her and was appalled at how far she's degraded. I don't know if anyone has any ideas. Focusing on the obvious - alzheimers onset, tumor, whatever. She supposedly has a Dr. appt tomorrow.

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. Obviously a family member will be with her to talk to doc about concerns.

Blockage of the arteries in teh neck can sometimes cause the same symptoms
as can any medications she is taking
So a good and thorough physical workup is the first step before seeing neurologist.

Make sure she is seeing a good doc..I am appalled at the number of lazy docs that are around.

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3. Thanks; hopefully it can be figured out

not like we don't have enough problems already

She has access (if she will go) to two very respected research centers. My wife is concerned, however, that she can't get her mother around on her on steam. It's a 2.5 hour drive to get to her mother, and things are complicated as it is.

[woodsprite]

2. I'll be saying prayers for your MIL

My mom was having similar problems and they found it was her magnesium levels. It presented as memory issues and repeating the last word she heard. Really strange. A few IVs in the ER, and she was better. Adjusting her diet at home and adding daily supplements seemed to keep her levels stable.

We also had a friend who developed Pick's disease. They defined it as Alzheimer's on steroids due to it's rapid progression. The drs. had a difficult time diagnosing what was wrong because apparently there just aren't many people with that. Her drs also kept insisting she was too young (64). Just something to be aware of if everything else were to get ruled out.

I hope everything checks out and it's something easily remedied.

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4. We'll see

I'll report back. Thanks!

[Iris]

5. This is going to sound odd but it could be urinary tract infection

Last edited Sat Jan 9, 2016, 05:40 AM - Edit history (1)

http://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/elderly-urinary-tract-infection

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6. Hmm... interesting

I'll let her (my wife) know. It's really gone downhill fast, supposedly.

Thanks!