WTDWTD-More insights

We have had several requests for additional explanation of the "behaviors" people with Alzheimer's Disease experience. We have also called these occurrences "Why They Do What They Do or WTDWTD. In our last discussion, we talked about the person's likes and dislikes and how that did translate over to their WTDWTDs. We discussed Mom's like of nice clothes and good grooming and how that was still very important to her.
Another factor which enters into this, is where the disease is initially most concentrated. If it is most concentrated in the frontal lobe, reasoning and judgement will be affected first. If, however, it is first concentrated in the temporal lobe, language may be first affected.
Mom had been living alone with help types coming in. She however, called the ambulance to go into the emergency room 8 times in a short period, with such complaints as constipation. Upon receiving the 9th call, the ambulance crew told she was fine, so she then called the police and they took her in. The ER docs told me something had to be done. I agreed, but told them it was very hard because she was "my Mom"!!
Now this occurred in a woman, who 4 years later can carry out a conversation RE the advantages of President Obama Vs. Bush, but may start saying "help, help" in the middle of the conversation rather than asking for the peanuts she really wants. Her issue is not so pronounced with memory as with judgement. It is a strange disease!
I hope this helps in your understanding of Alzheimer's.
May the good Lord keep you in the palm of her hand!!