Unfortunately, I am also going through this right now with my mother, who just turned 82. She progressed quite rapidly this year from some mild forgetfulness to pretty serious - a few weeks ago she was committed to a hospital while we are making arrangements. She went from a 12 on their dementia test scale to a 7 in a matter of three weeks. Apparently, you should normally expect a 2 to 3 point drop a year - the 5 point drop over three weeks likely means another factor at play, but so far the docs have found nothing to point at it.
The first time I went to visit her in the hospital she didn't recognize me at all. In subsequent visits she has recognized me (I think) but has yet to use my name. I'll say something like "I heard <sister's name> was here yesterday" and get a "oh no, I haven't seen her for months" in return, despite the fact I know she was there for a visit. It is very sad, watching her disappear before my eyes like this.
Having said that, she does appear to be in good spirits the times I have seen her, and the reports from other family members seem to support this. It is almost like she doesn't remember that she shouldn't be happy about being in the hospital, and she doesn't remember that she won't ever be returning to her home.
I feel for you...
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