Seeking help for my grandmother

[cufllaw]

My grandmother is 79 years old and has always been an incredibly active and outgoing person.  Approximately 12-18 months ago, her personality changed suddenly and dramatically.  She is now withdrawn and quiet.  She has a flat affect and appears to suffer from anxiety and depression.  She is also convinced that she has Alzheimer's; however, tests have confirmed she does not.  She has been on Lexapro and Cymbalta with no noticeable success.  She has an unsteady gait, but her cognitive abilities are still fully intact.  She experienced a TIA several months ago.  The symptoms preceded the incident by 6 to 9 months, so I am not inclined to think the personality changed is definitely associated with the stroke.  My mother thinks she saw a story on Dateline, 20/20 or 60 minutes about elderly individuals experiencing the same problems.  They were able to recover with a specific therapy.  Does anyone have any idea what may be happening to my grandmother and any idea how we may be able to treat it?  THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[medicmommy]

Have her checked for Vitamin B deficiencies...Often, Drs don't think to test for it and it can present as you've described...as a person ages, they can develop poor vitamin absorption, and over a period of time, it creates changes in thinking, memory, gait, appetite, and in some cases, can even mimic TIA symptoms...Also, a book you may find useful..."What if it isn't Alzheimer's?"...(I can't recall the author, but it was a very informative book..)  good luck...

[Allan764]

Yes I agree also with DeeDesai, Loneliness also causes depression you need to bring her sometimes to your home for a dinner and chat and do not be fussy or rude or she will count you out of her Will, so if you are not considerate it is better for you to learn to adjust or you just visit her only.

[Allan764]

Your Grandmother has Alzheimer and depression: 1) Alzheimer is memory loss due to not giving the brain enough water so she needs to drink 4 glasses of water per day 2) this goes the same as Depression and do not smoke or drink alcohol or coffee because it goes to the brain and gives the brain the wrong chemical and liquid.

[DeeDesai]

hello,

Hope your grandmoher feels better.  i have not heard about 20/20 or 60 minutes saying anything about this (i am sorry).  But i do know that old people (specially who live alone) are scared of not having anybody care about them.  A lot of them are very emotional and tend to worry a lot that can affect them and their health a lot.  Communicaion helps, if they are living alone, call them frequently.  Calling them will also let you know if she is ok or not.  If staying togather take her for a walk in the evening.  Showing that you care will help a lot.  Also, after you start commuicating, she will communicate with you as well.  She will tell you if something is wrong or there is a problem (how is she feeling and what is she thinking).  Besides i think communication will just make her feel better if not anything.  Also, be a good listener.