My father has just recently turned 50 and has been showing serious signs of dementia. He is a very prideful person, so getting help is sometimes an issue with him; therefore, I am turning to the internet for some insight.
Lately, he has been having a seriously hard time differentiating between reality and his dreams. Usually, believing events have taken place, such as arguments and conversations, that have never occurred. He also has a rough time with short term memory, which is making me believe that he is in the early stages of Alzheimer's.
But he has also has other issues which may be linked to something bigger. He is an alcoholic, again prideful so he doesn't want to do anything about it. But he has also had serious nervous system problems in the past, such as a couple slip discs and sciatic nerve damage (caused neuropathy is his leg/foot) which required surgery to help. Lately, he has looked very fragile. His arms shake frequently, often preventing him from holding objects.
Over the past year, both my father's mental health and physical health have seemed to be going down. I'm thinking that the dementia, twitches/shakes, and other things have been caused by a compounding of excessive drinking and his neurological issues; but I'm wondering if there is a possibility that there is something bigger happening. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.