Reply to Aging parents-do they loose their ability to empathize? Nastier to the kids they see the most?

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[quote=Anonymous] Has anyone noticed this? My mother was not that empathetic person in her 20s and 30s, but by mid 40s she became quite empathetic and pleasant and that lasted for decades. Now I notice gradual cognitive changes as she ages, especially now that she is in her 70s. She's more forgetful and I'm also noticing empathy is decreasing. Part of it is she is losing her filter and she says hurtful things, but in the past she would feel bad and apologize and now she doesn't. It is what it is and I am still going to be there for her as she ages. It just makes the experience less pleasant. She is more careful with my brother and sister who don't live in the area and she seems to still apologize to them when she slips. They rarely visit, and they have valid reasons which I'm not going into. This is not about being a martyr and complaining my siblings don't do enough. They have enough going on in their lives. I try to just laugh at how ridiculous it is and I feel good about the fact I can give back since other areas of my life are manageable. Anyone else relate?

Again, not into starting a family feud. My brother and sister are not to blame in any way. Not looking to confront my mother because she's more easily addled these days. Just venting.[/quote]

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