My dad (65 years old, high blood sugar, cholesteral) has all of sudden started doing and saying things that aren't normal. he told my mom he was going to take his truck to the shop for repair, but already did that. he said he went to a sale and bought a c

Your : Your father should be evaluated for stroke. This is best done by a neurologist or a geriatric medicine specialist who is experienced in evaluating patients for stroke. There are two types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke occurs when a brain blood vessels suddenly becomes clogged and blood supply ceases for a portion of the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. A most common stroke is the ischemic stroke. Being 65+ years old, having high blood cholesterol and sugar levels are risk factors for stroke. Symptoms of stroke depend on which brain area is affected. Most strokes go away with time however, oftentimes symptoms remain. Once a person had a stroke, there is a high likelihood that he or she will have another stroke. Therefore, it is important to diagnose stroke early and start treatments that could reduces the risk of future strokes.

Dr. : Dr. Baskys makes an excellent point about stroke. Actually he made many important points. And while the rapidity of the onset is worrisome for stroke, i'm also worried about the possibility that this is a dementia, possibly vascular in nature given dr. Baskys' answer. I also wonder about some toxicity, perhaps from a nutritional or dietary supplement that was contaminated. More likely, your dad had some underlying issues that your mom has been covering up and explaining away until some stroke broke the camel's back recently. Infection is high on the list for causing a delirium in the elderly which clouds their thinking. Given your dad's medical history, low sugar (from taking too much medication) could cause him to act/talk strangely so be sure to review his meds and check his sugars. Regardless, your dad needs to be evaluated immediately, with all the information you've noted above, and preferably at a facility that can run labs and image his brain (ct or mri). Good luck!