My mum has had memory issues now for a number of years. My father, who has since died, told me about them over 4 years ago and they weren't new then, but he didn't want to worry her so kept quiet and managed her life for her. Her memory is getting worse now and she often feels confused and has notes written all over the place and uses her calendar to record everything. She finds it hard to retain new information, never knows what day, month or year it is and is starting to forget things from her past.
She had a brain scan nearly 2 years ago which showed deterioration, but not enough to warrant a diagnosis. Last summer she was feeling bothered about confusion (although every time she is confused she thinks it's the first time she has felt that way). I was finally able to get her to a GP and she, of course, had a good day and did quite well on the memory test. She failed on the questions that the GP asked me, though, and the GP said it was probably dementia, but would arrange a brain scan and to come back in to discuss the results. She even talked about medication.
The scan was October and we never heard anything again. I've been having trouble getting any information as I don't have authority and she can't phone as she gets confused and doesn't even remember having a brain scan. I finally managed to get a reply via Ask My Gp to say the results are back and nothing to worry about, but they'll call her to discuss the results.
I just don't know where to go from here, as it's obvious to those who know her and see her that there is a problem, but she won't get access to any support without a diagnosis and I don't know how or when I'm supposed to push for one again. I thought early diagnosis was supposed to be really important. Sorry for the long message! Any help appreciated. Thanks
She had a brain scan nearly 2 years ago which showed deterioration, but not enough to warrant a diagnosis. Last summer she was feeling bothered about confusion (although every time she is confused she thinks it's the first time she has felt that way). I was finally able to get her to a GP and she, of course, had a good day and did quite well on the memory test. She failed on the questions that the GP asked me, though, and the GP said it was probably dementia, but would arrange a brain scan and to come back in to discuss the results. She even talked about medication.
The scan was October and we never heard anything again. I've been having trouble getting any information as I don't have authority and she can't phone as she gets confused and doesn't even remember having a brain scan. I finally managed to get a reply via Ask My Gp to say the results are back and nothing to worry about, but they'll call her to discuss the results.
I just don't know where to go from here, as it's obvious to those who know her and see her that there is a problem, but she won't get access to any support without a diagnosis and I don't know how or when I'm supposed to push for one again. I thought early diagnosis was supposed to be really important. Sorry for the long message! Any help appreciated. Thanks