Dementia -would you rather not know?

[rov1200]

Currently 50% of people suffering from Dementia are undiagnosed by the GP. There is no cure for this illness! If you had this illness therefore would you rather not be told you had it?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7846930.stm

Carers obviously have a close interest but could a positive diagnosis be a signal to have them taken into care against their will?

[Ethel]

How do they know 50% are not diagnosed?

[Bbbananas]

A very good point Ethel !!

[Ethel]

That aside, dementia is the cruellest of diseases and I have every sympathy for those who have it and their loved ones.

[McMouse]

If they told me I had dementia I would't remember.

[elcee45]

I would not want to know

[weeal]

Its terrible to watch it happen to a loved one and can last for years n years.
Agonising.

[smudge]

Having dementia is one of my biggest fears.

As it is, my short memory isn't as good as it used to be, although I can rememer things from before I started school. Most of my friends tell me they're the same.

As it's a gradual thing, I would hope that you're not too aware it's happening, but it must be torture for anyone caring for loved ones with it.

[smudge]

Crossed posts weeal.

[weeal]

Hi smudge, I wasnt a carer, just watched my Aunt suffer for over 4 years in a home, eventually unable to communicate, wearing nappies and almost unable to eat. She died 3 days before xmas '07 weighing next to nothing.

[rov1200]

This will answers Ethels comments

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/story.asp?sectionc ode=23&storycode=4121423&c=1

[smudge]

Sorry weeal & Steve - couldn't get back earlier couldn't find the thread, but dear yinyang found it for me.

weeal - I'm so sorry to hear about your Aunt. It must have been awful for you & your family to watch her deteriorate over 4 years! At least she's at peace now. -xx-

Steve - I've often wondered the same & it really does worry me at times. I would hate to completely lose my faculties & no longer be able to do things for myself. Worse of all, being a burden on my family.

[hundreddolla]

Doctor: I'm sorry Mrs. Brady you have Alzheimer's...

Mrs. Brady: Oh that's awful doctor.....but at least i don't have Alzheimer's!