Expert: Paula Damgaard - 8/10/2005

Question
We have been trying to figure out what stage my mother is in.  In the morning she is completely out of it, unable to stand, dress, eat without assistance.  She keeps her eyes closed and you have to tell her to open her mouth for her pills etc.  After about an hour she suddenly awakes and can talk and walk.  She gets confused as to location of the bathroom and other rooms but can remember everyone's names, even new people.  She can't tell you the year etc., but knows her age.  She is taking Exelon and Namenda.  In reading the stages we can't figure out where she would be, she was dianosed with Alzheimers about 3 years ago.  We can't find anywhere that talks about how she is in the morning.

Answer
Hi Sandy, I understand your frustration!  But I am not really going to be able to answer your question!  

Several people have written about stages, but because everyone progresses at different rates and ways it is hard to "cookie cutter" people into stages.  

I am not sure why your mother is the way she is.  Not knowing all the medications she is on and what her daily habits are, such as sleeping, eating, etc. it is hard for me to figure out why she is doing what she is doing or why.

I would suggest that if she hasn't been to one yet to have her seen by someone who specializes in dementia.  They would be able to go through all of her meds and see what is going on for you.  

Good luck and let me know if I can help you in any other way.  Paula