Confabulation

Confabulation- that's the term for making up stories to explain things that aren't remembered.  Sometimes it takes on a paranoid twist.  Can't find the checkbook?  It's because someone came in the house and took it.  Money being taken out of the bank account you don't remember?  Someone is stealing from you.  Other times it is very plausible, but still fiction.  That is one of the most heard comments I get from family members.  The doctor doesn't see the memory problems because during the 15 minutes they spend with the loved one, they talk very rational and the stories seem plausible.

I should so know better, but I have to learn the hard way.  I have to verify everything  Mom tells me.  One week, she was telling me she is going back for more therapy for the stroke in January.  But when I talk with Dad about it, he tells me no, it is the psychological testing.  It is just as well that she doesn't remember.  Before the stroke, she was very upset about the upcoming testing.  She informed me she was going to cheat.  Because the psychologists who devised the tests would never expect someone to cheat and couldn't possibly anticipate that.  But it didn't do any good to rebut the statement, so let it go.  So at least now, she isn't worried about the testing because she thinks it is therapy.  Then last week, she was telling me "news" about my brother's plans that was not correct.  I didn't get to talk with Dad during the last conversation, so I wasn't able to confirm the information with him.  Good thing I keep in contact with my brothers and he gave me the correct information.  

While I dread medical confirmation of what I know to be the diagnosis, I am so hopeful about getting medication started.  I know it doesn't work for everyone and it won't change the diagnosis or outcome.  But if we could just slow the disease progression and keep even what is there now for a little longer...  Then comes planning once there is an official diagnosis.  But to keep my sanity, deal with one step at a time.