Strokes and Vascular Dementia
My Dad had a stroke when he was 78 and he lost his speech, became weak down one side of his body and needed a catheter for 18 months until he was able to have a prostate operation. After three weeks in hospital, where he was treated, he returned home and recovered his speech and movement. He had a reasonably good quality of life, until his heart and kidneys failed and he died at 84.
If Vascular Dementia is caused by mini-strokes in the brain, I really can't see why they can't be treated like my Dad's stroke effects were treated and more or less cured. Perhaps the strokes are of a different type, or they are not usually noticed early enough?
Also, why do the medical profession seem to have such a problem recognising vascular dementia? It looks as though the Mums described on this thread have quite a lot in common, and the dementia is only affecting a few aspects of behaviour, leaving many other things in tact. This is probably why it can be so difficult dealing with people with vascular dementia. In many ways they are very aware and know that something is wrong but are afraid to admit it ,even to themselves.
I think it a rather frightening disease, as it is so unpredictable and the person just feels so totally alone and lost. It is hard to adapt to the ever changing behaviour and needs of the sufferer and yet they can appear so normal at tmes. I sometimes wondered if it was me who was getting confused.
Thankfully, Mum is being well cared for in a good NH, and I can just enjoy quality time with her, instead of having to sort out non-existent problems or rushing to the hospital after yet another a fall.
How old is your mother Dee?
Have you managed to sort out your mother's gas cooker, Helena?
I wish that I had known about TP when we were having so many problems with Mum taking her medication properly and having hallucinations. There may not be any answers to the problems, but it does help to know that we are not alone.