Expert: Michalene Peticca - 3/1/2009

Question
My Mother is 87. She had abackoperation (same day surgery) Within the next 3 weeks she is showing signs of panic attacks ,fear towalk with walker,althoughsurgery was successful. Now she is forgetting how to use remote,telephone and is very nervous. The  Dr, prescribed valium and an anti depression med. She is in an assitedliving faciltiy and the staff all commented as to how fast this has happened. She can tell what she ate or somthings that she did daily. Is this dementia?

Answer
Hello Joan,

Thank you for writing. It sounds as if your mother is experiencing some type of Delirium.

Delirium is a sudden onset of Dementia like symptoms but usually have a chemical or viral reason behind it.  

Many times older individuals will experience Delirium after an operation from the anesthesia.  Your mother may be one of these individuals.  It may take awhile for it to "clear" from her system.

Additionally, sometimes medications can cause Delirium.  I would suggest a second opinion about the valium & anti-depressant medication she has been newly prescribed.  Either may cause a reaction that mimics Delirium.

Otherwise, no, i do not feel your mother has Dementia.  Dementia is caused from a disease in the brain and is progressive over time.

Please have your mother see another physician for a second opinion on her current condition and medications.

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, MA