There is so much speculation regarding possible causes of Alzheimers/Dementia, [A/D] it`s as if we need something to blame.
I have 3 experiences of A/D and I`d like to share them with you, if I may.
My mother was a sharp business woman, who kept immaculate books and was even complimented by the V.A.T. Inspector on the presentation of her account books. She was also a keen card player.
She was prescribed Thyroxin without my knowledge, but as her memory was going, forgot to take it.
When I moved house and lived nearer to her, I became concerned about her condition and consulted her GP. I then learnt about the Thyroxin, and the GP was suitably embarrassed to realize that her last presription had been 12 months earlier.
As I became more involves in her care, we consulted a Neurologist, who diagnosed her `loss of insight`. As his own mother had suffered Alzheimers, he advised us against searching for a specific label, as the tests were so distressing.
When she died, 9 years later, Global Dementia was recorded as Cause of Death.
My neighbour was an ex-Guardsman. He was very independent and cared for himself, when he was widowed at the age of 85. He had Vascular problems, but it wasn`t until his confusion put him at risk, that he allowed me to help him and involve Social Services.
His condition deteriorated, mentally and physically. He had a toe amputated and eventually, it was thought necessary to amputate his foot. While he was waiting for surgery, he died.
My husband is Diabetic and possibly has Alzheimers, which was diagnosed last year.
It is probable, his circulation has been affected by the Diabetes. He has tried 2 major Alzheimer drugs but both caused dramatic and very upsetting side effects,namely hallucinations, voices and disturbed sleep. He is now on his 3rd anti-depressant [the other 2 also caused bad side effects] This new anti-depressant seems to agree with him and believe it or not, his memory and confused state have improved significantly. I have wondered for a while, whether or not his depressed state affected his condition and now I really do believe it does.
However, whatever we call it, A/D is challenging both of us. The husband who managed all our finances, now hands me the unopened Post. When the phone rings, he picks up the hand-set and hands it to me. His blood sugar is raised because he forgets what he`s eaten. He shouts at me and accuses me of taking over his life, of being bossy and calling the shots, while he thinks nothing of waking me at all hours to ask the most mundane questions.
Finally, can I tell you about my Grandmother. She Died in 1983, aged 92.
She never went out to work, she smoked, she ate few fruits and vegetables, she didn`t have a washing machine or a fridge but walked to the shops every day for fresh food, and carried it back home. She did all her own housework, including hand washing everything.
She didn`t have A/D, but she did get a bit mixed up at times.
So who knows the causes of A/D. It appears to hit people from all walks of life. There is little we can do to protect ourselves.
I have been comforted by reading all the messages on Talking Point and have only just learnt to respond. I hope I haven`t written too much, but for those who can be bothered to read it, you will know where I`m coming from.
Talking Point. What a Blessing.
I have 3 experiences of A/D and I`d like to share them with you, if I may.
My mother was a sharp business woman, who kept immaculate books and was even complimented by the V.A.T. Inspector on the presentation of her account books. She was also a keen card player.
She was prescribed Thyroxin without my knowledge, but as her memory was going, forgot to take it.
When I moved house and lived nearer to her, I became concerned about her condition and consulted her GP. I then learnt about the Thyroxin, and the GP was suitably embarrassed to realize that her last presription had been 12 months earlier.
As I became more involves in her care, we consulted a Neurologist, who diagnosed her `loss of insight`. As his own mother had suffered Alzheimers, he advised us against searching for a specific label, as the tests were so distressing.
When she died, 9 years later, Global Dementia was recorded as Cause of Death.
My neighbour was an ex-Guardsman. He was very independent and cared for himself, when he was widowed at the age of 85. He had Vascular problems, but it wasn`t until his confusion put him at risk, that he allowed me to help him and involve Social Services.
His condition deteriorated, mentally and physically. He had a toe amputated and eventually, it was thought necessary to amputate his foot. While he was waiting for surgery, he died.
My husband is Diabetic and possibly has Alzheimers, which was diagnosed last year.
It is probable, his circulation has been affected by the Diabetes. He has tried 2 major Alzheimer drugs but both caused dramatic and very upsetting side effects,namely hallucinations, voices and disturbed sleep. He is now on his 3rd anti-depressant [the other 2 also caused bad side effects] This new anti-depressant seems to agree with him and believe it or not, his memory and confused state have improved significantly. I have wondered for a while, whether or not his depressed state affected his condition and now I really do believe it does.
However, whatever we call it, A/D is challenging both of us. The husband who managed all our finances, now hands me the unopened Post. When the phone rings, he picks up the hand-set and hands it to me. His blood sugar is raised because he forgets what he`s eaten. He shouts at me and accuses me of taking over his life, of being bossy and calling the shots, while he thinks nothing of waking me at all hours to ask the most mundane questions.
Finally, can I tell you about my Grandmother. She Died in 1983, aged 92.
She never went out to work, she smoked, she ate few fruits and vegetables, she didn`t have a washing machine or a fridge but walked to the shops every day for fresh food, and carried it back home. She did all her own housework, including hand washing everything.
She didn`t have A/D, but she did get a bit mixed up at times.
So who knows the causes of A/D. It appears to hit people from all walks of life. There is little we can do to protect ourselves.
I have been comforted by reading all the messages on Talking Point and have only just learnt to respond. I hope I haven`t written too much, but for those who can be bothered to read it, you will know where I`m coming from.
Talking Point. What a Blessing.