Possible Dementia Symptoms in a 62-Year-Old Mother

Suspecting that my mother has dementia?

Your mother is 62 years old and a few months ago had shingles.
After her recovery, she has complained about: 1.
Having a strong urge to respond to messages after burping.
2.
Talking in her sleep, often about people from her past.
3.
Saying nonsensical things right after waking up, such as asking family members if they want to take a day off, even though they no longer need to go to school.
However, these occurrences are limited to just after waking up, and her daily life is completely normal.
What could be the symptoms of the above?

K, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/14

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry

Dear Chung,
Thank you for your question.
It is possible for cognitive function to naturally decline with age, but if this occurs only upon waking, it may still fall within the range of normal experiences for many individuals.
It would be advisable to continue monitoring the situation.
I recommend visiting a psychiatrist for some objective assessments to determine if there are early signs of dementia, and to receive appropriate treatment if necessary.

Dr.
Hwang Hsiao-Hsien

Reply Date: 2019/05/14

More Info

Based on the symptoms you've described regarding your 62-year-old mother, it is essential to approach this situation with a comprehensive understanding of potential cognitive and psychological issues. The symptoms you mentioned, such as experiencing unusual thoughts upon waking, talking in her sleep about past events, and having a sudden urge to respond to messages after hiccupping, could be indicative of several underlying conditions, but they do not necessarily point to dementia.

Firstly, it’s important to note that dementia is characterized by a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. Common symptoms include memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving or planning, confusion about time or place, and challenges in completing familiar tasks. In your mother’s case, since you mentioned that her daily life remains unaffected, it may not be appropriate to immediately conclude that she is experiencing dementia.

The occurrence of sleep talking and unusual thoughts upon waking can sometimes be attributed to sleep disturbances or disorders, such as REM sleep behavior disorder, where individuals act out their dreams. This could be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, or even the recent shingles infection, which can affect neurological function and lead to temporary cognitive changes. Additionally, the brain's recovery from an illness can sometimes manifest in odd behaviors or thoughts as it readjusts.

Moreover, the phenomenon of having vivid dreams or talking about past experiences is not uncommon, especially in individuals who have experienced significant stress or illness. It could be a way for the brain to process memories or emotions related to those experiences. If these occurrences are infrequent and do not disrupt her daily life, they may not be a cause for concern.

However, it is crucial to monitor her symptoms closely. If you notice any progression in her cognitive decline, such as increased forgetfulness, confusion, or changes in her ability to perform daily tasks, it would be advisable to seek a medical evaluation. A healthcare professional can conduct cognitive assessments and possibly recommend neuropsychological testing to rule out or confirm any cognitive disorders.

In addition, consider discussing her recent shingles diagnosis with her healthcare provider. Shingles can lead to postherpetic neuralgia, which may affect mood and cognitive function. Addressing any lingering effects from the shingles infection could be beneficial.

In summary, while the symptoms you've described warrant attention, they do not definitively indicate dementia. It is essential to maintain open communication with your mother about her experiences and encourage her to seek medical advice if her symptoms change or worsen. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly, and they can provide guidance on managing her health as she ages.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Dementia: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

My mother is 80 years old and is experiencing memory decline; she sometimes fails to recognize our home and continues to walk past it. She frequently has hallucinations and often feels chest tightness and discomfort. However, when I accompany her for a walk, she can walk for over...

Dr. Zhou Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Memory decline is a significant manifestation of dementia, but it is often mistakenly perceived as merely a sign of aging, leading to delayed treatment. Elderly individuals with dementia frequently present with severe symptoms (such as the hallucinations you mentioned) before the...

Is Repeating Words a Sign of Dementia in Seniors? What to Know

Hello, my mother will turn 60 this November. Recently, I have noticed that she often repeats things she said a few days ago, and she is unaware that she has already mentioned them. I researched other symptoms of dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), and she does not exhi...

Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen reply Geriatrics
Dear Cat, Hello! Alzheimer's disease or dementia caused by other conditions can occur both before and after the age of 65. Your mother is around 60 years old, and although she does not exhibit other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, the fact that she often repeats thing...

Essential Tests for Stroke and Dementia in Elderly Patients

Hello, my mother is 73 years old. Last month, she had a cold and visited a clinic near our home for medication. The following afternoon, she went out as usual but did not return home for a long time. In the evening, family members found her in a nearby park, and she said she forg...

Dr. Hong Weibin reply Neurology
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your concern for your mother is truly touching. Based on your description, it seems that your mother is experiencing acute altered mental status (personality changes, slowed movements). Your neurologist is correct; potential causes could include...

Is Your Parent Showing Signs of Cognitive Decline? Understanding the Symptoms

Hello, my mother is 60 years old. She has always been a housewife and has not worked, but about 20 years ago, most household tasks were handed over to a maid. Now, she only occasionally takes on simple tasks for some companies. In recent years, I have noticed that sometimes when ...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: The deterioration of language comprehension and expression abilities can indeed be a form of dementia. It is recommended to seek further diagnosis and treatment from a neurologist or psychiatrist. Dr. Wu Enliang