A Diagnosis Of Dementia Today.

[sandyRoe]

It was far from unexpected so in that regard it hasn't slammed any doors shut. Would it open any on services which previously weren't used?

[DTCwordfan]

Reminds me, I was in contact with Ann this morning by e-mail and wrote about my mother's latest escapade - must c and p it to my diary for potential inclusion in my book about it....

[pixie374]

They do here, dt. Unless the carer is also POA

[Gavmacp]

I sometimes have to laugh because if I didn't I'd probably cry! But sometimes you can be accused of being inappropriate. The accuser not realising that you are laughing because something can hit you far deeper than anyone can or will ever know.

[sandyRoe]

Elina, I'll have a look at the link later tonight.

[Elina]

I hope you get all the help you need Sandy x

[DTCwordfan]

Humour in this is a necessity for all, sandy....and there is humour there. You are laughing at the condition, not the person, or should be! It's a core theme in my book from a carer's perspective, along with sensible carer tips and some generic info as I am often amazed how innocent of the facts some folk can be - for example, ask what form of dementia and they look at you with a blank face - here, I am talking relatives.

[Elina]

Gav, sounds like you have plenty of experience with this condition x

[pixie374]

To be fair, it isn't always possible to tell the type of dementia

[DTCwordfan]

true....but CT and MRI usually can pick up if it's vascular or the big A - or frontotemporal - some of the less common ones and dementia w. Lewy bodies can be tough, partly as Lewy can associate themselves with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

[pixie374]

All they do for diagnosis here is a test of questions. Nothing else x

[DTCwordfan]

Bloody hell....my mother had a MRI and CRT, her 'Mixed' showing up clearly.....DLB, sandy, normally has less impact on memory loss early on but more on mobility and physical coordination, hence why it's harder to call early on. Do you know yet what your sis has?

[RATTER15]

Sorry to hear that news Sandy. I agree with Pixie, many dont even get a diagnosis of dementia let alone which type they have.

Don't be too despondent, many people with dementia live their lives without all the trauma and distress usually associated with dementia.

[pixie374]

Exactly... most of the trauma and stress is reserved for the relatives...

[DTCwordfan]

true, Ratter, and also pixie!!! Don't we know about that.....

[Gavmacp]

Elina,
A little a while back but fascinated by what we can do now compared to few years ago. Also fascinated by communication and how we can improve people's lives. I did hate the stick them in a big room and sing songs about the war. There are a lot of people that find problems but don't even bother looking for solutions.

[Elina]

x

[Gavmacp]

Sandy there are things that I didn't know until working with the OT team. Such as walls and floors of a similar colour are difficult to see and navigate. So maybe worth talking to someone that works in this field.

[pixie374]

Paint the frame of the toilet door a different colour, use white plates and coloured glasses x

[anneasquith]

Age UK are available for advice. Accept help for your wellbeing. Take care sandy.

[237SJ]

Have a look at your local Council`s website (under Adult Social Care or suchlike). When my mum had a fracture (which turned out to be caused by breast cancer in her bones but we didn`t know that then) I emailed my local council at approx 11pm because I didn`t know where to turn. They were on the phone the next day and provided lots of help from telephone assessments to health visitors. The health visitors are very adept at filling out forms for higher rate attendance allowance etc.