Vascular Dementia

[maggiebee]

Friend been diagnosed with vascular dementia. I know all symptoms, but really would like to know that if this disease reduces life expectancy?

[Sqad]

Vascuar dementia is really a layman's term, but in answer to your question, it is just a part of what is almost certainly a generalised vascular problem.

Reduces life expectancy? do not know how long she would have lived without it, but generally speaking vascular dementia signals the "end of the road."

[DTCwordfan]

often linked with strokes, maggie, even wee ones.

My mother has both Alzheimers and Vascular Dementia.

Has your friend been registered yet with your local Mental Health Community unit as they are very supportive and not just with the medical side - things like what allowances are available, driving etc etc -

One of the things that she should do assuming reasonable cognisance is make sure she/he has signed a power of attorney across to family who will help support her. Sooner that is done the better as if it goes to far, it can be a butto of a process.

[maggiebee]

Thanks to both of you. Friend is in her mid 80s and is a Samaritan as I am. We have noticed a deterioration over the past year and have been quite concerned about her. Her daughters finally confirmed what we have suspected for some time and I'm sure recent visits to her solicitor will have been about power of attorney etc. She was presented with a long service Samaritan certificate at a civic reception last week in recognitions of 44 years service to Samaritans. It has been decided that she will continue as a Samaritan as this is the one constant in her life but that there will always be another two on duty with her. It will become more of a social outing for her with none of the pressures. We all love her dearly and will do everything we can to help.