Well, by age of 90 at least 60% of people will have dementia. It usually starts in a subtle way that can be missed by close relatives in 25 % of the time. Things like personality changes, repeating themselves, irritability are not un common early changes. The doctor will run some tests to check for reversible causes of dementia like B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, sub-dural hematomas; if all negative then a presumptive diagnosis of Alzeheimer's dementia is made. There is an excellent medicine in addition to Exelon called Namenda; it is a class by it self. Those medicines can slow down the progression up to one year but the overall decline is inevitable.
Delusions can happen and can be controlled with medications but there is side effects.
Yes, I would suggest you sch. an appt. with her Doctor and determine if it is caused from medications or the onset of dementia leading to Alzheimer's disease. There are medications to hault the progression. Sounds like she should not be living alone and is regressing, Alz's destroys short term memory, thus she is remembering people and events of the past; long term memory.
Yes, do call her family doctor that is a great place to start. If this happened suddenly it might be something other than Alzheimer's. Make sure that you convey to the doctor that this is a drastic turn for the worse.
I just saw your post. My mother has moderate dementia and there seemed to be somewhat of a sudden onset, too. But, there was no stroke or other problems and she is on medication now.
All the best,
ckr
Yes, do call her family doctor that is a great place to start. If this happened suddenly it might be something other than Alzheimer's. Make sure that you convey to the doctor that this is a drastic turn for the worse.
I just saw your post. My mother has moderate dementia and there seemed to be somewhat of a sudden onset, too. But, there was no stroke or other problems and she is on medication now.
All the best,
ckr