That is so sad for you mom. Prayers for her patience and peace.

Dad was told he had Alzheimer's and was given material to read. He denies he has it. But their are days he is lucid. Mom will argue with him and start crying because he thinks she is trying to keep him from going to work. He hets up and dressed every day and packs a lunch. Waits for his ride. The ride that never comes. Then he looks at her and starts to hit his head and tells her you don't know what I a, going through in here.

My husband when diagnosed with Alzheimer’s told everyone we ran into. Now he doesn’t acknowledge he has it and neither do we. He’s having difficulty thinking also and sometimes will take his fist and hit his head and say I don’t know. He has got worse in the last few months

You may tell her she has dementia if you choose to do so. If she cries for a few minutes after you tell her that is normal for the disease process. She may weep and be very sad. In less than an hour or certainly by the next day, she will have forgotten you have told her the diagnosis.

I have seen former patients, my mother-in-law, and my husband respond to information about diagnosis, death or serious illness of a close loved one, etc., in the same manner. Put your mind to rest and talk with her. Sadly, I suspect you will receive a response similar to what I have seen during the years.

Try to live in your mom's reality. It is typically possible and enjoyable for all concerned if you and your mom (while she is still verbal) can talk about her life as a child and young adult. Sometimes reminiscing calms the person for the duration of the 1:1 interaction. So very sorry for your mom and your family.

I doubt if it would make any difference to her if she is like Bill. He is in his little bubble when people discuss his problems openly and it just doesn't seem to register. I think this is good because it is less for her to worry about. Just try to be patient, reassure her, and love her. Big hugs!!