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LiberalEsto

(22,845 posts)

22. My mother-in-law accused me of stealing my own book from her

Wed Oct 2, 2013, 08:11 AM

Oct 2013

She had always been as sharp as a tack and hilariously sarcastic. Lifelong Democrat, former Democratic committeewoman for her precinct in lower Manhattan.

We were at a family reunion weekend years ago, and for some unknown reason she decided that the book I was carrying was stolen from her. She got very angry and argumentative about it. It was so uncharacteristic of her that it made me wonder what was wrong with her.

Then family members noticed other little incidents and began worrying about her. Eventually she was taken to a doctor and diagnosed as probably having Alzheimers. She continued to deteriorate until her death 10 years ago.

I think the anger you're seeing is the result of confusion and frustration that things don't seem normal to her. But this could also be a side effect of medication, a mini-stroke, or other factors. I think she does need a complete medical exam and medication review.

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What are some early signs of Alzheimers'? [View all] XemaSab Oct 2013 OP

Loss of the ability or reduced ability to smell cinnamon. AnotherMcIntosh Oct 2013 #1

Really? Duer 157099 Oct 2013 #4

Try this one: AnotherMcIntosh Oct 2013 #19

Our tipoff when our mother would ask the same question rocktivity Oct 2013 #2

When my MIL lived with us... pipi_k Oct 2013 #7

You might consider getting her checked out Duer 157099 Oct 2013 #3

Well, I was going to say pipi_k Oct 2013 #5

A visit to the doctor is in order. Brigid Oct 2013 #6

Might not be as bad as you think. Suich Oct 2013 #8

My POSSLQ struggle4progress Oct 2013 #9

Medication side effects maybe? Avalux Oct 2013 #10

She's on Tramadol XemaSab Oct 2013 #14

Tramadol is an opiate. Avalux Oct 2013 #17

Keys Ron Obvious Oct 2013 #11

Repeating yourself frequently is one sign. mysuzuki2 Oct 2013 #12

Good one! vanlassie Oct 2013 #33

You need to get her to a doctor. Wait Wut Oct 2013 #13

My Mother exhibited symptoms similar to Alzheimers ... Myrina Oct 2013 #26

Could be anything or nothing. Downwinder Oct 2013 #15

As others have said Jenoch Oct 2013 #16

Get your mother to a doctor ASAP sarge43 Oct 2013 #18

I'm sorry, I don't have nice stories. hunter Oct 2013 #20

so sorry your Mom is going through this handmade34 Oct 2013 #21

My mother-in-law accused me of stealing my own book from her LiberalEsto Oct 2013 #22

ah gee . . . . ConcernedCanuk Oct 2013 #23

My mother would forget simple things, like how to use the toaster, or the tv remote. russspeakeasy Oct 2013 #24

Peanut butter sniff test confirms Alzheimer�s Duer 157099 Oct 2013 #25

Just saw this article - added Snap intaglio Oct 2013 #27

personality changes are one symptom u4ic Oct 2013 #28

As I understand it, the diagnosis for Alzheimer's occurs when all others have been eliminated. Auggie Oct 2013 #29

Yes, have her checked libodem Oct 2013 #30

She's probably pretty frightened pscot Oct 2013 #31

Try to have patience with her marzipanni Oct 2013 #32

See if you can get her to a doctor sakabatou Oct 2013 #34