Wondered if anyone dealing with a family member with Alzheimers could tell me how far along in the disease a person can't remember the name of familiar foods. Also how bad are they when they don't eat properly because they can't seem to figure out what they want to eat because they can't draw a connection between naming the food and choosing to eat it.
We are pretty sure my mom in law has Alzheimers but we are concerned with the changes we see in her. Her children won't confront her with her problems so dealing with her is a guessing game.
All three of you have given me very good and thoughtful responses. My thanks to each of you. I "recognize" my mom-in-law in something each of you posted. Food for thought.
I had considered dementia due to the characteristics she displays, so it could very well be a combination of the two.
Since I can only pick one, I wanted to add this info so all responders know I appreciate the insight. Thank you.
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The issue you are describing is called 'agnosia', the loss of recognition associated with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's can seem like a mild bit of memory loss to a more pervasive loss of short-term memory, then of familiar and well-known skills or objects or persons. It sounds like that's what your mom-in-law is dealing with.
Alzheimer's has some other symptoms that accompany it, however, that delineate it from simple aging. Is she disoriented, does she have issues with other language (like everyday conversation?), and has her basic behavior changed? Is she more prone to outbursts, or lack of inhibition?
If you're seeing these signs, then you may have hit the diagnosis on the head. If she's having issues with food and drink, it may be time to bring a doctor in on it…people with Alzheimer's aren't great at taking care of themselves, and as the disease goes on, they can often become dehydrated and very ill.
I'm sorry you have to deal with this. I went through the same thing with my late grandmother. Be aware that sometimes mild dementia accompanies Alzheimer's, as well, and people with it may wander off on errands and then forget where they were going or where they live, as if they're sleepwalking. Again, you have my hopes for the best.
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