Hi!

Welcome to PC!
I hope you will find the information and the support you may be seeking.

I am very sorry for all you , your mom and family/friends are going through.

To my knowledge, it's not terribly unusual for anyone in their 50's, 60's or even 70's , 80's to experience their first episode of mania. While many start their mood disorder episodes much earlier in life, others demonstrate a different onset/pattern.

You've gotten some great info and advice from fern46 and bpcyclist.

When someone does not have a history of mental illness earlier in life it is extremely important to explore other possible causes for altered behaviors. It would be ideal if your mom would agree to see her primary care doctor for an exam and labwork. S/he might also want her to have additional testing.
Sometimes, labs can be off a bit and can cause all kinds of behavioral changes.

My pdoc has told me many stories of when she was a resident and the psych team would be called to the ER to assess someone who was psychotic. A talk with the family would let them know there was no prior history of psychosis/mental illness in this family member, which does set off an alarm to check labs first and then possibly more tests, depending upon the findings. Of course, it can be difficult, if not impossible to convince loved one to see a doctor if they feel there is nothing wrong.

Often, older people are followed by their primary care doctor for some diagnosed condition. Follow-up appointments are often scheduled every 3-6 months. Is it possible your mom has an appt scheduled with her primary care doc? If so, you may want to see if you can accompany her and/or try to contact the doctor ahead of time. With the HIPPA laws in place, her doctor cannot talk to you, giving you information. This does not mean you cannot contact the doctor. A physician is not prohibited from LISTENING to you. If you can get in touch with her doctor, talk away.

It sounds like your mom's behavior is erratic, but not totally out of control at this time. The laws in most states are very much in favor of your mom's rights. The best intervention might be a family intervention. Some families organize interventions on their own. I don't think that is always the best way to go. I would talk with NAMI about this option. Sometimes, it can be very helpful to have a therapist or someone with education and experience to help the family with an intervention.

Another option might be to contact NAMI in your area. NAMI usually has a lot of information for families, as well as for those suffering mental illness.
NAMI also knows the ins and outs of the resources and the laws in your state re: any type of family effort toward an intervention, should it ever come to that. NAMI also offers education and support to families. The current behavior appears to be mania, regardless of the exact cause.

I am grateful you feel you can reach out here. It certainly does not hurt anything to make inquiries. I hope you will continue to do so with any resource which may be helpful to you and to your mom.

Your mom is lucky to have you looking out for her.

I wish you, your mom, your family the very best.