Wow. I know I'm entirely new to you, but please accept my sympathy. And no, I"m not a medical professional.

But if she was mine, I'd surely want her checked, immediately, by a psychiatrist (not psychologist) to get a diagnosis. And if there is a better hospital, and her current doctors are as clueless about what is going on as you and BIL describe, then he needs to get a move on to get her the help asap, I'd think.

Your explanation was very clear and logical.

I understand BIL's embarrassment, but he really needs to get over himself and help the woman he loves so much. It is clearly something that is beyond the people she is presently with .... He needs to be upfront with someone and maybe give them a copy of the post you just wrote, so they know how pervasive all of this is.

There are tests, simple ones, to distinguish among Alzheimer's, demential, emotional disorders, chemical disorders, and so on. At her age, it is likely (or at least we can hope) that if he is able to get her someone who can prescribe for psychotic lapses in behavior, it may be able to be controlled, or at least reduced.

Good luck to you, and to your family.
JW

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