I think colleague has dementia

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure..but since I work closely with him..I have observed a few things such as loss of social filter (off-putting emails, brash/almost self aggrandizing), forgetfulness (colleague always has good excuse), and its believable so hard to know what's going on. Also, he almost seems bipolar... seems withdrawn some days followed by days of highs/extremely productive. Although again.. that could just be my perception. Finally.. he seems really good at task at hand, but can't connect the dots that need to be connected..

Im just confused and if it is dementia.. very sad for him. Has anyone experienced something similar?

[Anonymous]

Oh god, this could be my DH. And I’ll just say that managing the situation is impossible. I’d this is someone younger (55ish), early dementia or FTD combined with other existing disorders that are commonly comorbid with those diagnoses means they will have no idea that it’s happening.

Here’s the thing: saying something to them won’t get them to suddenly realize what’s going on, have an epiphany, and resign. And it won’t change the trajectory of their decline. It’s likely their family knows what’s going on and is trying to muddle through on the other side and trying to project how long they can stretch the job to maintain income and healthcare before it all blows up.

If this was a colleague I loved dearly and I was in a position to gently guide them out of imminent danger/disaster and/or steer them to a role that felt like something they could handle, that would be my objective. But the way orgs work now I’m guessing that you don’t have the power nor security to attempt that.

[Anonymous]

Yes, this happened to a coworker. He eventually did get a diagnosis of bipolar (according to him) but all the boss could do was address the behavior - for example, discipline for inappropriate interactions.

[Anonymous]

Bipolar can affect memory also meds for bipolar can affect memory.

[Anonymous]

Self aggrandizing is a strong bipolar symptom.
Grandiosity is one of my sisters strongest bipolar symptom.

[Anonymous]

Did this come on suddenly? Is there any way to express concern gently?

I had a bad reaction to a mediation this fall and didn’t realize it at first. Over the course of a week or so I was exhibiting some strange behaviors.

Now I’m on a different medication but at times it makes it hard to sleep so harder to work. We’ll get there but I haven’t been entirely myself of late. Lots of things can explain mental problems other than (or in addition to) dementia.

[Anonymous]

How old is your colleague? Very sad to see. Maybe can help him out at work where possible. Losing his job may be financially devastating for his family, especially with heath insurance costs.

[Anonymous]

I work with a 66 yo guy who can barely remember anything. This is new, in the last two years.

[Anonymous]

Is there someone in HR that you could report your concerns to?