Vascular Dementia

[cathy]

Mum had her first visit to the specialist today and they have confirmed that she has vascular dementia (severe), having read my notes on this type of dementia i do agree but also feel she has alot of the symptoms associated with dementia with lewy bodies, is it possible to have a mixture of both?.

i would also appreciate a "no holds barred" opinion from anyone who could tell me what to expect from now on regarding deteriation etc. i found myself getting too upset at the specialist to ask half the questions i wanted to. I did try to explain to mum what the specialist was saying but within a minute she had no idea. Mum is 81.


Thanks

Cathy

 

[Sheila]

Hi Cathy,
My mum has it too, she is 78 so near your mums age.
I felt the same as you, completely choked at the confirmation, even though I had known in my heart for ages.
Everyone is different, but my mum is prone to mood swings especially afternoon/evening (sundowning), they also seem to "drift" in and out of comprehension more than with straight Alz. or at least that is what I have found. My mum is so with it at times that she can bluff her way for about 10-15 mins. with an outsider which can make you (me) look pretty silly till they click theres something wrong!
No-one can tell you what to expect really as they all go at their own rate, it's unfortunately a no win situation, for both you and your loved one. Just make sure you get as much help as you can, set things up now, don't wait, because as the disease gets worse you will have other things to do and less time.
I wish you love and the strength to face what is a really tough cookie!!
Love She,
XX

 

[cathy]

Hi Sheila

thanks for the reply, how right you are regarding the short periods of seemingly "full understanding of whats going on", many a visitor has left our house and i am sure they have said "well she's not that bad". Little do they know.................

take care

cathy
x