Mom and I were watching TV. I asked Mom 46 degrees is cold isn't it because it was going to be 46 degrees tonight. She said no that's not cold. I said yes it is. I told her you are telling me 46 degrees is not cold she said no it isn't. She stays cold all the time. I said that doesn't make sense. She said why do I make such a big deal out of things. I said I don't get it she said just drop it. She asked me why it was such a big deal. I said because we are having a conversation and it just doesn't make sense. She screamed just drop it. I left in the dark and went home. Is she getting dementia or just can't hear
In this case, it appears that you are watching T.V. and are instead making conversation that your Mother asked you to drop. Instead, you are disagreeing with her answer, you are judging her, telling her that she does not make sense.
Some people do not want to talk while watching T.V.
You could have avoided a disagreement if at this point you just stopped talking: "I asked Mom 46 degrees is cold isn't it because it was going to be 46 degrees tonight. She said no that's not cold."
Mom is entitled to her opinion?
What was the big deal?
I remember when I lived in WI, and it got up to 50 degrees in the early spring how many people I saw running around in shorts because people were so tired of the long and yes very cold winter, and they finally had hope that warmer temps were coming, so they(prematurely perhaps)put on their shorts.
So this actually boils down to ones perspective and has absolutely nothing to do with your mom having any kind of dementia.
So next time you don't agree with your mom, just agree to disagree, and quit making a mountain out of a mole hill. It's really not worth it.
Next time I would just switch channels and find something more interesting to watch.
I agree that you were making a big deal about it and should have dropped it!
This interaction doesn't give any indication of dementia.
Maybe your mom was thinking that 46 degrees isn’t freezing. Or, how bitterly cold it is in other places.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s not worth getting upset over.
If other things are happening, and they happen regularly, then you can address the issue.
People who have lived in a colder part of the US might think 46 degrees is warm. What's the big deal?? During the winter months in Massachusetts, I usually don't like my thermostat above 62degrees. When I am outside during the winter I don't think 46 degrees is cold. I feel your communication style with your mother is more than harsh.
Just so you know people in this forum are not qualified to diagnose dementia or hearing loss.
If you are worried, ask her to have a hearing test. She would need to see a neurologist for cognitive testing for dementia. Sometimes they order brain sans to look for volume loss or changes in specific areas. I think you may be over thinking this. Not every elder gets dementia.
I wish you and your mother the best.
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