Dementia...

[ummmm]

When someone with dementia gets to the stage that they're starting to forget basic things, like using a knife and fork, does it tend to go downhill rapidly?

[kerriesmum]

Im not sure ummmm i think there are different types so would it depend on the one the person had ?.

[4getmenot]

its different for everyone ummmmm.

[ummmm]

Not sure what type. She's had it for years. She ended up going into a home about 4 years ago. In the last few months she seems to have gone downhill quite fast.

Today she couldn't figure out how to use her knife and at the beginning of the week she wet herself. Something she's never done...

When I used to pick her up, although she didn't know who I was, she knew she recognised me. Now she doesn't :-(

[Jemisa]

Why do you ask Ummmm? you been forgetting have you?awww!.

(Hi Den, everything ok?)

Jem

[Jemisa]

Crossed post Ummmm.

jem

[4getmenot]

is she diabetic as well?

[ummmm]

Why do you think I asked Jem?

What a silly silly comment in a serious thread!!

[ummmm]

Yes 4get....diet controlled.

[4getmenot]

it may be that her blood sugars are not right or being monitered right, if that is the case then it will effect her memory and also incontinence

[ummmm]

I didn't know that 4get....Hope so, her dinner was late today as well because we take her to Grandads home so she can eat with him..

[Jemisa]

When I posted that Ummmm I had no idea why you posted yours I was having a bit of fun & expected you to see it as such. I'm sorry if I affended anyone, that was not my purpose & I think you know that.

sorry again.

jem

[4getmenot]

its ok jemisa I think she will know you thought she was on about herself x. Yes umm just get her blood sugars checked out and as long as they are ok then maybe look a bit more into dementia, lots of helpful stuff on net x

[DTCwordfan]

yes ummmm - I presume that they are registered with your NHS old folk's mental health unit as there are these brake drugs available now, once they have identified the type(s) of dementia - my mother has been recorded with "mixed" - vascular and the big A

There are some financial benefits that accrue too; an attendance allowance and reduction in council tax - as well as the carer may be in a position to get a sum once the attendance is granted and depending on financials.

[ummmm]

I'll have a word with the home....cheers 4get x

And, if I was talking about myself I would have said that.

[LoftyLottie]

Urinary infections (which are common) can also cause a lot of confusion ummmm. Does she suffer from incontinence at all and have to wear pads?

[DTCwordfan]

One of the things that I have discovered that there is a close linkage between thyroidism (hypo and hyper), on to high blood pressur, the risk of strokes (and in my mothers case they found evidence of a mini-stroke) to dementia.....

I am also keeping a diary for a potential advice book...but its a useful record of the decline for the docs.

[DTCwordfan]

and Lottie is right about urinary infections......

anaesthetics do not help dementia sufferers at all (can cause serious slippage) - so try and avoid minor procedures if poss

[ummmm]

DT....thanks. They are not entitled to any help. My grandad pays for both homes from his own funds....