Thanks, WPers

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So, I'm bummed because my mom has dementia and is in denial. Today a cop came to my door to tell me she's called them 7 times recently. She lives with my dad and forgets who he is, and calls the law.
So...I tried out a chat room on an Alzheimer's support website. Explained what was going on and asked for advice. The conclusion of the room was that I am an enormous liar. Yep, I'm just pretending my mom's demented for kicks and giggles.
So, I just wanted to thank all you Wrong Planeteers. Because however much we argue amongst ourselves, at least no one here has ever accused me of "making it all up".
(I posted here in PPR because that's where I post most often, so ya'll are who I wanted to thank)
And I'm not being sarcastic - thanks.

It is odd that they default to believing you are making it up. Do they cite why they think you are lying? That might help get to the root of the issue, there is something that is likely going against their understanding of things, as something you have said doesn't fit into it quite right, somehow. But without any specifics I'm not sure what to say other than;

Good luck! You sound like you're in a difficult position and I wish you well in your endeavors. Let us know if you want to talk about it more! I'd like to help if at all possible.

They didn't say why they thought I was lying. Probably the fact that it was my first time in the chat room had something to do with it. Also, they seemed not to like it when I explained why their obvious suggestions ("she should see a doctor") were not options (neither she nor my dad are willing to have her evaluated).
I guess my situation was too complicated, so they decided I was making up stories to stump them.
They should have just said they didn't know what I should do.

Probably almost everyone here might have a similar story to tell.

i'm sorry to hear about that. are you sure it's dementia? i'm sure you've talked to them a lot and tried to encourage them to see a doctor, but it's really important to make sure that it is dementia and not something else that is treatable or reversible if caught early enough. in any case dementia can be hard to deal with without additional support, both for your mum and for you and your dad.

maybe try talking to them some more, especially around the point that there are conditions that mimic the symptoms of dementia but that can be reversed if caught early enough. good luck, either way, and you have my sympathy in having to deal with such a difficult situation.

Whether or not it's dementia, it is certainly 'ALOC,' or 'altered level of consciousness. It's true that there are many causes, but without an MD eval it's difficult to say. Alzheimers is actually quite difficult to diagnose without a brain biopsy or autopsy (not options for most people, for obvious reasons).

I have to agree w/ the OP wrt. WP: even though I fight with many of you, and am frequently frustrated by many of you, I feel a general fondness for almost everyone here (the sole exceptions being a troll or two who have been b&). WP is a rare place where I can come to argue and hash out ideas without being called 'mean' or 'insensitive,' and where for the most part people are up-front and honest about their opinions and expect the same from me. Even when its frustrating, it's a sanctuary.

Well, I contacted a relative. The relative contacted Adult Protective Services.
I don't know if I'm happy about that or not.
Anyhow, my folks are getting a visit from APS today. I have turned off my phone because I'm afraid they're going to be pisssssssed. Things can't go on as they are, though.

Sorry to hear about the APS call. I'm typically not fond of getting public agencies involved in situations like that, but even I have to admit sometimes it really can be for the best. If close relatives aren't prepared or equipped to help her in this difficult time, it might be best to let someone else bear the burden of accountability. Just do whatever you can to make sure she's being well treated and kept as comfortable as possible given the circumstances.

Also very sorry to hear you're going through this. I know what you mean about WP being supportive. I've hit a few rough spots and crisis moments myself with my family that I've posted about in PPR. Even though I wasn't outright looking for support, PPR folks were more than eager to give it out for free. No, we don't agree on a lot of things, but treating fellow human beings with dignity and respect for the most part is top of the list of things we do agree on.

My wife's grandmother went through several strokes and possibly advanced Alzheimer's, and I made a few posts regarding end-of-life issues. I wasn't looking for sympathy, but I got it anyway. You are certainly welcome to any help any of us can offer.

How can I know you are not making this whole thing up?

You're welcome, any time.