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PD & MCI per Neuro. My Mom with Parkinsons has "Mild Cognitive Decline" but I have no doubt that she has significant dementia. She can function well at certain times of the day but most afternoons things go way downhill and she becomes obsessed with "going home", even packing up things, looking for suitcases, airline tickets. She is in her own home of 15+ years with 24-hour care for the past 6 weeks. Last night she boiled water to cook dinner for "the 4 girls in the house". She added a bowl of granola and nuts. Next she put a frozen dinner directly on the gas stove flame. She has no memory of her afternoon/evening activities the following day and is convinced other people cooked things, stole her purse, moved her papers, etc. Do others notice this lack of memory re: activities? This is the best site I've ever found for on-line caregiving support and has helped me so much. I hope to be able to give back to all of you someday. Thank you.

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From what I have read on these forums, what your Mom is doing is all part of having dementia. Her wanting to *go home* could mean she wants to go back to the home where she grew up, or she wants her memory to return back to normal. And yes, there is a stage where someone with dementia believe that their personal items had been stolen, but I read that is a temporary phase.

dmasty, I also agree, this is the best site for on-line caregiving support and for information. I feel like I am back in school, cramming for future tests with everything I have learned this past year :P
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I believe what your mom is experiencing is Sundowning. If this is a change in mental status for her, please report it to her doctor.
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You are right. This goes well beyond "mild" cognitive impairment at this point. Makes some notes - talk to her doctor - you're looking at a need for full time supervision if there is no reversible medical issue making things worse. I hope you have medical and financial POA papers in order, because if not, there could be a need for guardianship proceedings.

It is a rough path ahead of you, but you are at least realizing what is happening and in a good place here to get an education and some support!
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ba8alous is right. Your mom is sundowning. Talk to her Dr. about anti-anxiety medication during these times. She doesn't have to be so upset and agitated.
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