My mom can speak , sometimes she can’t think of the word , sometimes she expressed herself clearly, sometimes it’s a bit garbled. She has started using hand signals.
Also she often doesn’t open her eyes when walking, for example if she needs to go to the washroom ( with someone helping her walk). After a bit of prompting she will open them.
She also closes her eyes while we are sitting at the kitchen table.
She will nod when asked a question but seems she is tuning us out.
Any insights appreciated.
With that being said, don't be surprised if she soon forgets how to walk as well. I wish you the very best in caring for your mom.
"sometimes she can’t think of the word , sometimes she expressed herself clearly, sometimes it’s a bit garbled. She has started using hand signals." This is all normal with Dementia.
Be gentle with your mom at this stage. If she has any cognition left, let her have her dignity and give her a minute to gather her thoughts.
Closing her eyes? My daddy did this and it was sort of his way of re-grouping his thoughts as he slid deeper into Parkinson's.
Kindness is never wrong. Once I was unable to finish a thought and I was actually getting teared up over it--and my SON IN LAW reached over and took my hand. Didn't say anything, just held my hand for a minute. He intuitively knew that I just needed a moment.