Newly diagnosed with Vascular dementia caused by TIA's

[minky93]

Hi everyone

I had an MRI scan and got the results on Wednesday, the specialist pointed out white patches on my scan and said it was vascular dementia caused by TIA's

After my first TIA I began to notice my memory failing I would ask my husband a question then ask the same question again sometimes a few minutes later or I would know I had already asked the question but couldn't remember his answer. I have difficulty remembering names and sometimes finding the right words to use in conversations, it is weird because this does not happen all the time and one day I can't remember a name and the next day I can.

The memory problems I would say have been going on for around a year now & have not got any worse or better. I have started to notice when I type, a few words are mixed up for instance the letters are correct but in the wrong order a bit like dyslexia but when reading back what I have written I know they are incorrect and correct the mistakes. It is as though my brain & fingers are not working in conjunction with each other, I can spell out loud a word correctly & still type it wrong.
I am terrified this is my worst nightmare come true I have always had a fear of getting dementia so this has hit me really hard.
The specialist is referring me to a memory clinic no idea what this is or what they do.
I have always had a very active brain I am 63 years old and worked as an accounts administrator for a large multinational company handling millions of pounds before retiring. I do crosswords at night to help me sleep where some people read books. Friends bring their computers/laptops to me for me to sort out.
The specialist said I have a lot going for me as my cholesterol is very good, no high blood pressure, very slim, not diabetic the only bad things are I can't exercise due to other medical problems and I started smoking again after giving up for five years and have been advised to stop which I will.
Is it definite that I will get worse or is there some hope that it may stay the same or at least not progress too far?
I am taking medication for the strokes.

Please! Please! if anyone can give me some advice as to what to expect for the future and the memory clinic I would be most grateful.

A devastated & very frightened,

Hilary x

 

[jaymor]

Hello Hilary and welcome to TP.

sorry you have the diagnosis of dementia, it is a scary diagnosis. You don't mention any support you might have from family or friends but from your first post you will have support and friendship from the members of this forum.

Take a look through and you will see there is no subject that is taboo, between us we have seen and dealt with everything. Come and have a chat in the chat room or when things might not be going too well, come and have a rant, no one judges, we listen and support.

You seem to be managing quite well so keep up doing everything you are and difficult as it is to do, try to live a day at a time and face tomorrow when it comes. Everyone is different, there is no set pattern and you are doing everything right.

My husband was diagnosed at 62 with Alzheimer's , just under 10 years ago.

Take care and look forward to you joining us.

Jay

 

[creativesarah]

I was diagnosed about 5 years ago and although my life has changed I enjoy doing what I do and wouldn't have had the opportunity to do lots of things that I wouldn't have had if I hadn't been ill
I have got my 2nd photographic exhibition up at the moment I am writing a book (thank God for spell check!)
My mantra is 'Don't curse the darkness - light a candle'
I have lots of support from friends
I have made lots of new friends through having more time and I am much more creative. I am dieting and help run a craft group.

Hope this gives you a bit inspiration do feel free to contact me if I can help you in anyway

best wishes Sarah

 

[maryw]

My husband was diagnosed in the same way following a stroke. His MRI scan showed numerous past strokes and white matter diagnosed as small vessel disease. He is taking part in research into small vessel disease. The diagnosis was 2 years ago; there is a difference in memory, but nobody outside would know

 

[Millie51]

Hi everyone

I had an MRI scan and got the results on Wednesday, the specialist pointed out white patches on my scan and said it was vascular dementia caused by TIA's


Hi Hilary I was diagnosed a year ago now,my first TIA was about 2 years before that. The specialist says I've had a few 'bleeds' - according to my scan. So very similar to you

I've been gradually getting worse over the year, some days I am absolutely normal, other days foggy. I was like you at the beginning, very scared and somewhat in shock. Try to take things one day at a time and don't dwell on the future. It does take a lot of digesting

No-one knows what the future holds, try and be positive - I know it's hard

Take care and God Bless xx