Posted by GBoogie on March 28, 2002 at 17:36:31:

In Reply to: One other suggestion. posted by Doug H. on March 28, 2002 at 13:18:49:

The word 'dementia' carries some baggage. We tend to think 'demented', but actually it just means, at least in Mom's case, poor short-term memory, poor 'executive' thinking, trouble recalling the proper word to use, etc.

For example, she frequently misplaces her keys due to memory loss, but when she finds them again they are in someplace normal. A coat she forgot she wore, a handbag she forgot she used, or on a countertop. They are not in the freezer next to the Vanilla Fudge ice cream or in the trash can.

She does not think people are after her. She recognizes all her neighbors and has never not recognized me.

So, I'm not sure I'd say she acts 'irrationally'.

However, I know what you mean. When she has become lucid it is usually fairly emotional for her and the only thing I can compare it to is those movie scenes where the character comes out of a coma and realizes how much things have changed. If the trach works, it would make a compelling argument to keep it in, wouldn't it?

Follow Ups:

• Yes, but you'll have to convince her. (no text). Doug H. 20:35 3/28/02 (0)

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