Karen

I know it was disturbing to you, but it really would not do a bit of good to confront her.

I suspect that she is entering another area of life where her mind may not work as it always has. Just do the best you can. You may have to overlook a lot of things like this.

You might want to talk to her physician, about her mumbling and talking to herself. Has she had any other changes in her personality, even subtle ones? She might have had a small stroke or bleed in her brain. She may have developed high blood pressure or diabetes, or something else. He can check her out. Her medications may be interacting in a funny way, or she may be getting too much. If she's small, doses may need to be adjusted, or changed. If she's taking aspirin, the doctor may want to stop it.

Good luck.

This is the time to be sure that your paperwork is up to date, because it may come in handy in the future. My Mother would get confused in her later years, and there was no amount of 'explaining' that would make her understand reason. At this stage, you will find yourself treating her (lovingly of course) more as a 5 yr old child.... don't give her too many choices (not, what would you like for lunch? but would you like chicken noodle soup or a tuna sandwich?) Don't beat yourself up about it, either.... you know that you are doing a wonderful job of taking good care of her. Keep that in mind and do your best.

But do make sure that your paperwork is in order, and talk to her doctor. Do you accompany her to her appointments? Someone suggested writing our questions/concerns and giving it to the staff for the doctor before he/she sees the patient, which is a great idea.

Good luck, keep in touch with us here, and remember that you didn't cause her behavior, nor can you cure it. But you can take care of yourself, mentally and physically.