at 62 my dad is like a toddler

[lucy i]

hi I last visited over a year ago looking for advice on how to get my dad to a GP. He is only 62 and has had problems with memory and words for over 5 years but flatly refuses to go to the doctors so we can get some form of diagnosis.

His behaviour can be aggressive & aggitated, he gets fixated on things like his vitamins and not throwing anything out. last week I stayed with him and my mum with my 2 children (5&3) but had to leave early becasue it was too difficult. At one point I was trying to throw out a bath mat by son had accidentally had a poo on, dad fished it out of the bin and hid it upstairs. He later asked what poo is.

My mum has been to the doctors but to no avail, they got him in under the guise of a 60 year check but as he didn't admit to any problems we have got no further. The years are sliding away and I don't know what to do. Does anyone have any suggestions? thanks lucy

 

[connie]

Hello Lucy, I am so sorry to read that your family are still no further forward in getting help with a diagnosis for your dad.

Obviously the GP has to be the first port of call, although I take your comment that:

but as he didn't admit to any problems we have got no further

I can only advise that you or mum keeps a diary of dad's behaviour over the next month, and I mean a really detailed account. Then back to the GP and let him read the diary before perhaps getting dad back there for 'a further 6 months checkup'.

I do hope this helps, I really do not know what else to suggest.

 

[dolly gee]

hi I last visited over a year ago looking for advice on how to get my dad to a GP. He is only 62 and has had problems with memory and words for over 5 years but flatly refuses to go to the doctors so we can get some form of diagnosis.

His behaviour can be aggressive & aggitated, he gets fixated on things like his vitamins and not throwing anything out. last week I stayed with him and my mum with my 2 children (5&3) but had to leave early becasue it was too difficult. At one point I was trying to throw out a bath mat by son had accidentally had a poo on, dad fished it out of the bin and hid it upstairs. He later asked what poo is.

My mum has been to the doctors but to no avail, they got him in under the guise of a 60 year check but as he didn't admit to any problems we have got no further. The years are sliding away and I don't know what to do. Does anyone have any suggestions? thanks lucy

hi lucy i am sorry to read about your dad you should get your gp to do test ie blood test it your dad has problems and i feel for you and your mum i hope very much you can get help i had to get my mum help she wasnt very happy but there are times you have to take charge goodluck dolly gee

 

[makalu]

Had the same problem!

Hi, I had exactly the same problem with my dad, hes just turned 60, for about 2 years he saw his doctor (reluctantly) kept on being prescribed anti depresents, had the same symptoms as your father, in Feb this year I got him back to see another Dr who took one look at him and said your not depressed u've got memory problems. So seek advice from another Dr, ask for some cognitive tests to be done too, and a referral to a neurologist. Its now November and we dont have a diagnosis but my dad has been taken into a mental health centre now for his own good as he was so unstable through misuse of his medication.Hes diabetic too so his sugars were all over the place. Dr wanted to section him but his aggression was never visible to anyone except me and mum. Somehow we persuaded him to go to hospital of his own accord to get his medication sorted out. Its been 4 days in there now and he is quite relaxed but very confused. I want him home but i just dont know when or if this will happen. Drs are indicating that Hes got Picks Disease with Lewy Bodies. im devastated, hence up all night. The moral of this story is if u dont ask you dont get, so push for a more specialised opinion and make a nuisance of yourself until you get what you deserve. If u r West Sussex let me know and I'll give you our consultants details. Good luck. I miss my dad - he doesnt even remember ive been to see him in hospital or remember his new baby grand-daughters name.

 

[lucy i]

thanks

thanks all for your really useful tips. I will persevere. Lucy