[kat20000]

I could really use some support. So, a while back, I posted about how concerned I was about my mom. She would be acting fine, and then all of a sudden she would go off and start screaming, attacking me. Well, she's been fine for months, and then she went right back to screaming today. I just don't understand it. I've tried to reach out to some local orgs. for help. No one wants to do anything since she acts fine most of the time. I'm her full time caretaker, and I'm all alone. I don't have any support from anyone.

What do I do? She is only in her 50s. She doesn't qualify for any help. I'm really worried that she is showing signs of dementia. Is it too early for that given her age? How do I handle this? She's been screaming all day how she wishes I was dead, and how much she hates me. Some of the things she says don't make any sense. She is talking to herself. I've sacrificed so much of my life to take care of her that I just don't know what to do at this point.

[optimize990h]

Welcome to PC! Did any of the organizations you were in contact ever suggest any assessments? If your mother has a MD, then she should get at least a medical assessment and referral to a psychiatric doctor. If not, then she might benefit from a geriatric assessment(where you live I don't know if there are nurse practitioners who could do this. If your mother does not have a MD, then she needs one just for a check up plus the options above. These are just suggestions that might uncover any answers to your questions. Hopefully, others here at PC can add any more info you may need. Take care.

[winter4me]

It is not too early for dementia and yes, there are assessments now that can be done. She may actually qualify for some assistance if she is unable to manage on her own.
I took care of my own mother at home for 6+ years (and worked)-----in the end, I did have to place her---and now she is gone. This is a difficult, very stressful place you are in----Neuropsychiatric Testing is recommended---talk to her primary care provider if she has one, if not, talk to your own if you have one, if not call the alzheimer's association and any urgent care/clinic providers in your area. Make noise, don't take dismissal of her symptoms. Even tape her if you can. Is the yelling, I am guessing yes, unlike her usual self? What is the content? Do you notice any triggers? Are there less dramatic changes you are noticing?-----It is very important that you take care of yourself---I am older now and know that I would want my children to care for themselves before me---...You can certainly join support groups for caregivers, you are her only support---you need support no matter what others say. (& there were enough people close to my mother who questioned her decline until they encountered the symptoms for themselves that I can sympathize---my judgement (even as a nurse with a lot of psychiatric and geriatric/early dementia experience) was questioned.
...by getting support for yourself, you may find ways to help with your mom...

[avlady]

you need a support system, someone who you can turn to too, maybe a therapist for your mother who could help both of you, are there community places that you can think of to give her some social life with more elderly people they seem to help each other also in a controlled situation. just a suggestion, i will pray for both of you