Hi Everybody,
I am new to this forum and this is my first post asking for some advice, although I have been reading the posts for a while now and finding your experiences oh so familiar. My Mum is 72 and we have suspected she has had dementia for the past two years. It has taken us that long to get her to see the doctor and for the diagnostic process to take place. It has all been soooo slow. Sadly, during this time her condition has deteriorated considerably and she is now often scared and distressed.
Tomorrow my Mum will be seeing a consultant following an MRI scan a few weeks ago. I will be going along with her to support her and my Dad and I was wondering if any of you have any advice on what I should ask, or make sure is explained by the doctor? Obviously we hope to get a diagnosis - I am not sure how much the consultant will tell my Mum, but we would not like anything to be kept from her as I think it would be a relief to her to realise that she's not just going mad but that there is a medical reason for her behaviour and feelings! But at the same time I am aware that the diagnosis is likely to be deeply distressing.
I must admit I am dreading the appointment, but wondered if any of you can remember what it was like when you were in a similar situation and whether you have any advice for me? I know my Dad will be in bits so it will be up to me to make sure I ask the right questions and get the answers we need to do the best for my Mum in the future.
Many thanks.
Sue
I am new to this forum and this is my first post asking for some advice, although I have been reading the posts for a while now and finding your experiences oh so familiar. My Mum is 72 and we have suspected she has had dementia for the past two years. It has taken us that long to get her to see the doctor and for the diagnostic process to take place. It has all been soooo slow. Sadly, during this time her condition has deteriorated considerably and she is now often scared and distressed.
Tomorrow my Mum will be seeing a consultant following an MRI scan a few weeks ago. I will be going along with her to support her and my Dad and I was wondering if any of you have any advice on what I should ask, or make sure is explained by the doctor? Obviously we hope to get a diagnosis - I am not sure how much the consultant will tell my Mum, but we would not like anything to be kept from her as I think it would be a relief to her to realise that she's not just going mad but that there is a medical reason for her behaviour and feelings! But at the same time I am aware that the diagnosis is likely to be deeply distressing.
I must admit I am dreading the appointment, but wondered if any of you can remember what it was like when you were in a similar situation and whether you have any advice for me? I know my Dad will be in bits so it will be up to me to make sure I ask the right questions and get the answers we need to do the best for my Mum in the future.
Many thanks.
Sue