Dissociation vs. Dementia in a relative

[RainbowSearchParty]

Asking for a family member, or rather, about a family member. I know that I am someone that experiences dissociation, and I suspect that this family member also does. In fact, I've noticed their inability over the years to interact with me in an authentic manner, as well as the different parts I've interacted with that don't seem to have a cohesive memory between parts.

In sum, I assume this person has a dissociative disorder, based on how I experience dissociation. But in the last few months, this person (who is in their seventies), seems to be having trouble with their memory, in a way that isn't the normal memory issues they have always had.

How can one figure out the difference between dissociation and dementia? I ask because a younger, more vulnerable person is involved and I want to make sure this person is protected. I don't know how to tell the difference and thus how to intervene.

 

[Jade-]

I'm thinking it's probably best for a professional to make that decision. It may not even be dissociation or dementia and could be something totally different altogether.

 

[RainbowSearchParty]

I'm thinking it's probably best for a professional to make that decision.

Yes -- agreed. I'm trying to figure things out in advance of trying to figure out how to get professionals involved.

I'm not immediately concerned about this person, but trying to figure things out in order to make an intervention if and when it makes sense ....

 

[arfie]

How can one figure out the difference between dissociation and dementia?

i have wondered this often in my elders and age peers. more and more i find myself wondering with youngers, as well, but i am 70, after all. for sure, the psychotic disarray of my teens and early adulthood would look like dementia if i was still carrying those symptoms today. my concluding opine --just before i remind myself that i am not a qualified psychoanalyst-- is that the symptoms don't heal themselves on the ignore and repress plan.

I ask because a younger, more vulnerable person is involved and I want to make sure this person is protected. I don't know how to tell the difference and thus how to intervene.

i don't believe i need to diagnose an abuser to intervene on behalf of a victim. relief is available, my love. call me any time you need to. no excuse needed. authoritative knowledge of an abuser's illness is not essential to protecting yourself from the collateral damage of any mental illness.

 

[Friday]

SchoolRule =
- If you forget where your keys ARE? That’s normal.
- If you forget what keys are FOR (eating? combing your hair? fixing toilets) that’s dementia.
- If you forget you own keys? (Those aren’t mine!) That’s disassociation.

Clearly, there are differentials within these basic guidelines, as someone with malaria in a fever spike? Won’t recognise their own family. Which is not dementia. It’s fever. But as a general rule? Where = normal. What = dementia. Ownership = disassociation. Not always true, but the place to start.

as well as the different parts I've interacted with that don't seem to have a cohesive memory between parts.

That’s a whoooooool helluva lotta possible things. Not just psych, but also medical. Think 200+ possible differentials.

In their 70s? Dementia will be the very first thing to rule out. Followed very closely by about 120 medical causes (malnutrition, hormone imbalance, prolonged infection, etc.), and only veeeery lastly? Psych. The older someone gets? The far more likely it is a simple vitamin deficiency is f*cking them up, than a psychiatric condition. Young bodies accommodate/absorb a tremendous amount with very little effect. Failing bodies, are… delicate. With profound effect, from the simplest things.