Confusion

[Curly13]

I'm a bit worried about my Dad and would appreciate some thoughts Please.

Last April he had a series of small strokes, but thankfully he fully recovered physically. He gave up smoking straight away, started to eat more healthily and more often but after a few weeks he was back on the alcohol again.

He never drinks spirits, just bottled beer which I try to tell myself is better in some way(???) though it probably isn't as he still drinks most days.

He gets drunk very quickly since being ill, and the thing that is worrying me is he gets a bit confused when drunk, and it's like he doesn't realise who he is talking to. He can also get muddled up with what he is talking about and introduce people using the wrong names etc. When he is sober, he is ok.

Is this quite normal for someone who has been through this or should I be keeping a closer eye on this and maybe seeking some professional advice? I'm not sure whether the alcohol just affects him differently since being ill or if it's something else.....

[Ice.Maiden]

Hi Curly. Is he on medication? The after-effects of the strokes could be increased if the two are mixed.
My godmother had a stroke recently, and although she can speak normally, and it hasn't robbed her of the use of any part of her body, she now tends to forget easily. She remains a highly intelligent woman though, and continues to make progress, so all teh best to your father. It may just be wise to have a word with his doctor.

[Curly13]

Thanks Ice, No he isn't on medication. They gave him 3 months worth of pills and puffers and after that he was told he wouldn't need anything.

Good to hear your Godmother has made a full recovery. I know so many people that don't so they are both very lucky.

[jno]

some stuff here (just ignore the fat stomachs): stroke alcohol, just getting old could all play a part. But if you notice it more when he's been drinking than when he hasn't, you have to suspect that's the main cause. A chat with his GP might be in order.

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/forgetfulnes s.htm

[Lil O'lady]

It is normal to become less tolerant to alcohol as you age. In addition, if your dad has been a heavy drinker all his life, he may have a bit of liver damage. In addition the time he spent recovering was probably 'dry' and may have had the effect of making him less able to take his drink when he's started again.
I woudl definitiely ask around for support and help - via your GP, Age Concern, and Al-Anon (for families affected by alcohol issues). There may be an issue, depending on your dad's doctor, of his autonomy - ie his doc may refuse to assist you, if you are making the request and not your dad.

[Curly13]

Thank you for your answers and the usefull link jno. I'm going to have a read of that and then speak to my Brother later, as I think we need to look in to getting some support with this.

[FUZZYBEE]

Hello curly, my mum had a series of strokes and the stroke association was one of the most helpful places. You don't have to talk to someone just request all their leaflets etc it makes for very eye opening reading, from how the brain works depending on the side of the brain which was affected to how those that have suffered a stroke percieve things. Just as an example if I used to walk too quick up to mum to go in for a kiss she would pull away startled as if I was going to hurt her or frighten her but what I read in the books is that by the time her brain worked out what i was going to do it was too late !! These leaflets may enlighten you however odd or strange his behaviour.

[Curly13]

Thanks Fuzzybee, I will defianetly request those leaflets, they sound like an interesting read.
I hope your Mum makes a full recovery.