My mom has had some problems with her short term memory issues for a few years. She was also an alcoholic up until about 6 months ago. We thought she stopped drinking a few years ago just on her own but turns out she was drinking very very heavily in secret. Makes sense because her memory was shit from constant blackouts. She finally checked herself into rehab and got her shit together. Since then, her memory was still not great and at first I thought maybe the alcohol and its affects were still lingering. I thought it was best she got tested. She went to the neurologist and after about 4-5 months of appointments and brain scans she was told she has mild dementia. We also found out she has issues with her carotid arteries. Right now they pose no threat, but if that changes she could have a stroke which could also make her memory worse. She is only 57 years old. The doctor prescribed her Aricept for her memory and also mentioned they could give her infusions. I actually have a friend who’s dad is on infusions and its been helping him wonders. Her next follow up appointment is in September.
Here is where I need some advice. From what I’ve been told (from her), the doctor did not make a big deal about her memory impairment and she seems relatively okay with the news. But what should I be expecting?? In a few years is her memory going to decline substantially? Should I be blunt with her about what could eventually happen? When do I need to start preparing for the worst? Should she be getting any more testing done? Should I reach out to the doctor? Do I need to get her affairs in order? (I know this will piss her off this early in diagnosis) What can I do to help her right now? She currently is able to work and live her life pretty normally, she just struggles sometimes staying organized with dates if she has a lot going on and often repeats herself. I live in a different city and she doesn’t have a partner or many friends. My brother is nearby but I also don’t want to put all the burden on him. She also has two people that rent rooms in her house but it has not been a problem so far.
Sorry this was such a brain dump I’m just so overwhelmed. I am the parentified child and we have had a complicated relationship over the years and she is finally getting her life together and now this. I feel so bad that she now has to deal with this, but also already so mentally tired that I’m being pulled back into being her rock when I was just finally starting to get a break. I’m trying to stay positive. My friends dad who is receiving transfusions is still doing well when they thought he would be passed by now. That is giving me some hope. She also has amazing insurance and doctors and we got a diagnosis relatively quickly. But all around my heart is breaking.
Thanks for the help in advance.