Some Advice On Alzheimers Please...could This Be It?

[Postdog]

Someone I know seems to be showing what I think could be signs of this, though I don't know enough about it to be sure.

Firstly they they are of an age when alzheimers seems to be a likely risk. They are actually reasonably organised but litrle things make me wonder. For instance they get words mixed up, they can forget things said to them moments before, and they can forget things they know through experience. I was asked the other day what bin they should put paper in, the ordinary or the recycled...

There are many more things to use as examples but I won't go on here. This seems to have got progressively worse over the last six months, so much so that I have begged them to visit the doctor, but they won't. Any suggestions what I can do?

[albaqwerty]

do you know their GP? If so, I'd have a quiet word and maybe ask for a home visit on the pretext of, you haven't been to the surgery for a while sort of thing?

The GP may even offer you some advice on what to ask and then you report back to the GP.

[Postdog]

Wrong place I know but I did this on a tablet and had a shaky hand and didn't realise,

[Postdog]

GP's aren't allowed to discuss other patients.

[Buenchico]

You might try getting them to read the booklet which can be downloaded from here:
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=2430

[albaqwerty]

I didn't suggest you discuss them, just mention to the GP that you are concerned.

[woofgang]

then you suggested collusion between the GP and the OP.....which I hope the GP would not agree to or suggest. I think that Chris's suggestion is a good one and about all that you can do.

[Old_Geezer]

They sound like me ! Although my family reckons I'm simply stressed. GP simply noted I have speech issues these days. Didn't seem concerned. Point being the symptoms need not indicate the worst. And even if they do, it's incurable. Just be patient/understanding.

[2sp_]

My Granny has Alzheimers, and when we first had concerns, my mum spoke to her GP.

While the GP cannot discuss their patient with someone else with out permission, they can listen to someone else's concerns.

The GP suggested that my mum go in to the consulting room on my Granny's next routine visit (she has Pernicious Anaemia). The GP then asked my Granny about her health in general, and asked if she felt if she was getting forgetful as they like to keep an eye on all their patients over a certain age.

All I can suggest is that you do speak to their GP. They could then contact the person you are concerned about and ask them to come in for a routine check up. They need never know that you contacted the GP.

[Mosaic]

Loss of short-term memory happens in old age, and doesn't necessarily denote dementia, and not all dementia follows the same pattern as Alzheimers. However, surely your friend sees a doctor or practice nurse from time to time - when she next goes, could you offer her a lift or offer to go with her for company, and take it from there? Difficult call however it's approached.

[pixie373]

Is this a close relative. It is possible, but as others have said, your friend will need to agree to see the GP. Nothing can or should be done behind their back. I think you've done all you can for now.

[EDDIE51]

I'm 64 next birthday and your friend sounds like me, I forget words , forget to do things. I go to a shop and once there forget what I went in for and come out with something else. I am forever forgetting where I parked the car and have to wander around the car park looking for it. I put it down to old age.