My Fiance took his mum to her appointment at the Memory Clinic today to be told that she was now discharged and that her GP would look after her from now on. We got the diagnosis of Alzheimers a year ago and she has had two check ups (including today) to date. To discharge her now just doesn' t make sense as how will we have any idea of her deteriation apart from our observations. Is this right/normal?
Discharged from the Memory Clinic
- Thread starter jennywood2010
- Start date
Hi Jennywood and welcome to TP 
I am afraid your post made me well up with tears, as I am sorry to tell you that this is all too typical. Many on here have had the same experience, although, as you say, it makes no sense....
I can only suggest that you keep a record of your (to be) mother in law's condition, and request a re-referral to the Memory Clinic if needed.
Meanwhile, ask for help from the GP, the local social services, Alzheimer's Society, and whoever is available in your area. Do you have access to a specialist nurse? ( sorry, name of service escapes me).
I look after my mum and have felt really let down by the memory clinic....however, others may have better experiences and more ideas.
Take care of yourselves too. You and your fiance are at the beginning of a wonderful journey together and you must find support for yourselves.
Good luck and all the best
Lindy xx
I am afraid your post made me well up with tears, as I am sorry to tell you that this is all too typical. Many on here have had the same experience, although, as you say, it makes no sense....
I can only suggest that you keep a record of your (to be) mother in law's condition, and request a re-referral to the Memory Clinic if needed.
Meanwhile, ask for help from the GP, the local social services, Alzheimer's Society, and whoever is available in your area. Do you have access to a specialist nurse? ( sorry, name of service escapes me).
I look after my mum and have felt really let down by the memory clinic....however, others may have better experiences and more ideas.
Take care of yourselves too. You and your fiance are at the beginning of a wonderful journey together and you must find support for yourselves.
Good luck and all the best
Lindy xx
Has she been given any medication? My husband was discharged to the GP but that was because it was dual management between the memory clinic and the GP. I think it would be wise to make an appointment to speak to the GP and clarify what their 'looking after her' will mean. It might be a good idea to keep a diary between now and that appointment and note down the things that are concerning you. Oops! I just noticed Lindy has suggested the same thing - great minds think alike.
Check to see if there is an Admiral Nurse in your area -
http://www.dementiauk.org/what-we-do/admiral-nurses/individual-teams-services/
Even if there isn't you can email them or phone them and they will listen and advise. I did that and got a really good response from them even thought Admiral Nurses don't cover Scotland.
I'm not sure what support you have so like Lindy I would suggest contacting your local Alzheimer's Society to see if someone there would have a chat with you.
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents.php?categoryID=200121
If she hasn't already had an assessment by the local Social Services Department that might also be a good thing to look into.
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=131
Lastly please keep posting and using TP. You will find a wealth of information and support here.
Take care.
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I think this might be the norm. My husband went to the Memory clinic monthly for the first 3 months of being prescribed Aricept but this was then passed to the GP.
The GP did nothing further about his dementia apart from signing repeat presciptions for the drug. However, he was seen a year later at the Memory clinic, I think to see whether the Aricept should be continued.
He had vascular dementia but with possibly Alzheimer's involved too hence the Aricept.
Sadly soon after, he went into hospital and, after 8 months, into a nursing home by which time the Aricept had been discontinued.
If no medication is appropriate, I would imagine that attending the Memory clinic might be discontinued.
The GP did nothing further about his dementia apart from signing repeat presciptions for the drug. However, he was seen a year later at the Memory clinic, I think to see whether the Aricept should be continued.
He had vascular dementia but with possibly Alzheimer's involved too hence the Aricept.
Sadly soon after, he went into hospital and, after 8 months, into a nursing home by which time the Aricept had been discontinued.
If no medication is appropriate, I would imagine that attending the Memory clinic might be discontinued.
Hi! Yes that typical...but what i would say is that if you have any concerns at all ring them and they cannot refuse to see her...dont let them fob you off...gps in our area just arent equipped due to nature of the appointment system etc...and not any expertise in dementia..
Having said that if you need medical help ask them..its up to her practice to accomodate her no her them...
Consultants and clinics have sectetaries and phones so people can ring them..so i do..! Best wishes.
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We have also been discharged from memory clinic to GP about 2 weeks ago, after 4 years. In a way I am glad as the doctors there only stay a few month and then we haven't got another one for 6 month and so on! In the last 2 years there have been 5 new doctors so I rather see our GP who knows John very well
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Here - in Peterborough - mum was discharged by Memory Clinic to GP (two years ago) as soon as they'd diagnosed Alzheimer's by means of a memory test and brain scan. She was prescribed donepezil. I think we got two visits from a nurse to see that there were no untoward effects from the medication and that was that! I didn't realise things might be different elsewhere.
