changes in mother's personality

[worried4135]

My mother has always been an extremely intelligent and independent woman. She has had few medical problems in her life, The most significant has been water on the brain and at age 85 at which point she had a shunt put in.In the last 3 weeks she has decided that I am a liar and she wants nothing to do with me. He memory of incidents in both the near and distant past are inaccurate. She has called her grandchildren and accused them of things that they did not do but most of the blame falls on my shoulders. She lives in a town approximately 25 miles away and refuses to move closer. I am her only living relative. I am concerned that the changes in her personality have been rapid and severe. What actions should I consider and how do you suggest that Imake these changes without building additional resentment? Can I call her physician and talk to her without my mother being told of this conversation? Please send me in the right direction.
Thank you

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You should definetly contact her physican who probably is totally unaware of this important information.  It could be a serious neurological problem post surgery that needs to be addressed; or it could be the medication she is on to control for seizures.

[Bob_D]

Oops. Guess I'm not supposed to be posting here. My apologies.

[Bob_D]

Dear worried,

For your mother's sake, it seems to me that you are duty-bound to contact her physician to discuss her recent personality changes. You could stress the need for confidentiality before discussing any details her. Perhaps she could advise you on how to obtain additional external help from organizations and individuals who specialize in gerontological issues. Good luck to you.
Bob D