
Originally Posted by
Missismiggins
When my wife was pregnant with my antichrist, the doctor warned me that many Thais suffer from Anaemia (I think it is a red blood cell deficiency - please correct as necessary).
! However the old dear that she is, the Mother in Law commonly referred to as the Commodore 64, needing repair, has developed some symptoms that resemble anaemia, complete lack of brain function, disorientation, laziness, inability to move, inability to recognise her surroundings.
OK, first, a necessary caveat: I am not a medic, and the following is my understanding only - a professional opinion should be sought at some point.
Lots of Thais suffer from anaemia as a result of an inherited genetic disorder called thalassemia. It is VERY common here. Thai-Thai marriages can often result in kids with severe anaemic disorders. Mixed kids are much less likely to be affected, as for caucasians its not that common (except for mediterranean origin westerners).
Thats the overwhelming cause of anaemia here, although there are several other possible causes including (if I recall correctly) vitamin B12 deficiency.
You MIL sounds to be suffering from dementia - of which Alzehemers is only one type - there are several age related dementias. Really, in all honesty, it does not matter practically whch one as there are few effective treatments.
Dementia-Topic Overview
One cause of dementia is, as said above vitamin B12 deficiency. You can read up on the symptoms here:
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia-Topic Overview
so, its
possible you MIL has B12 deficiency which could be checked, but, its much more likely she is suffering from one of the other forms of dementia, sadly.
In general, as far as I can see, and in MY opinion only, Thais are pretty tolerent of age and its associated disorders and they take it as part of life. They are probably a lot less bothered by you MLs behaviour than you are.