Hi everyone
I've been browsing for a few weeks, but thought I would introduce myself. My mother is 75 years old, and has Vascular Dementia (although the doctors never actually say the name, just refer to her 'memory problem'). I've read so much, and she has all the symptoms, has been to memory clinic and been put on asprin.
It's so good to hear other people's experiences which have helped me to confirm that I am not going mad The repeated conversations, the agression, refusing to wash, paranoia, pacing, etc..! It's still very early stages, and sometimes I feel as if I'm imagining it all and it's just normal for her age, but I know that I'm not.
The most recent event has been a fall, which resulted in bloods and an ECG, and discovering that she is anaemic. I wonder if this is usual, as she doesn't eat very well, in particular meat?
At the moment Mum lives alone in sheltered accommodation, and I visit to check up on her. I deal with all her paperwork, appointments, medication, etc as well as organising her shopping. I get help with the housework, and the Warden pops in 3 times a week. She already gets Attendance Allowance (because of other health problems), and she has a walk in shower.
I am the only carer, and I find it a big strain as I don't have anyone else to turn to being single and her only child. I know one or two people wonder why she doesn't live with me, but I don't think I could cope with her full time. I know that things are not that bad at all right now, especially compared with what others have to cope with, but I do worry about the future. The only thing that keeps me going is my Faith.
I do have lots of questions... mainly, how do I get the doctors to confirm her diagnosis to me? I get frustrated sometimes with how vague they are about it all . We're off to see the GP tomorrow about the anaemia, and following a suggestion on the Forum I managed to pass a note to the receptionist (when she had her blood test) for the doctor about her recent behaviour. Lets hope I'll get some answers...?
Thanks again for the support and information here - it literally has been a God send .
Blessings
Patsy
I've been browsing for a few weeks, but thought I would introduce myself. My mother is 75 years old, and has Vascular Dementia (although the doctors never actually say the name, just refer to her 'memory problem'). I've read so much, and she has all the symptoms, has been to memory clinic and been put on asprin.
It's so good to hear other people's experiences which have helped me to confirm that I am not going mad The repeated conversations, the agression, refusing to wash, paranoia, pacing, etc..! It's still very early stages, and sometimes I feel as if I'm imagining it all and it's just normal for her age, but I know that I'm not.
The most recent event has been a fall, which resulted in bloods and an ECG, and discovering that she is anaemic. I wonder if this is usual, as she doesn't eat very well, in particular meat?
At the moment Mum lives alone in sheltered accommodation, and I visit to check up on her. I deal with all her paperwork, appointments, medication, etc as well as organising her shopping. I get help with the housework, and the Warden pops in 3 times a week. She already gets Attendance Allowance (because of other health problems), and she has a walk in shower.
I am the only carer, and I find it a big strain as I don't have anyone else to turn to being single and her only child. I know one or two people wonder why she doesn't live with me, but I don't think I could cope with her full time. I know that things are not that bad at all right now, especially compared with what others have to cope with, but I do worry about the future. The only thing that keeps me going is my Faith.
I do have lots of questions... mainly, how do I get the doctors to confirm her diagnosis to me? I get frustrated sometimes with how vague they are about it all . We're off to see the GP tomorrow about the anaemia, and following a suggestion on the Forum I managed to pass a note to the receptionist (when she had her blood test) for the doctor about her recent behaviour. Lets hope I'll get some answers...?
Thanks again for the support and information here - it literally has been a God send .
Blessings
Patsy