Mum has now been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, but very mild. She was told she scored just 84, where concern starts at 80. She has been prescribed Aricept - a low dose.
My brother accompanied her to the appointment with the psychiatrist. He was concerned that she'd be distressed by the diagnosis.
Actually, mum's reaction seems to be more confusion than distress. The psychiatrist, and her GP whom she saw the next day, both stressed that, since she is nearly 90, she will probably never experience the full effects of Alzheimer's. That seems to have left her confused about whether she is actually diagnosed with Alzheimer's or not.
It is a tricky one for us, because on the one hand we'd like her to take the Aricept, on the other we don't want to upset her and would like to reassure her that she doesn't have Alzheimer's. I'm saying things like "You're borderline, mum, and the drugs might make sure you stay that way". That seems to work.
Personally, I'm not convinced she won't experience the worst of Alzheimer's. She may be 90, but one of her grannies died at 93, and that was pre-NHS or antibiotics! There is every reason to think mum might reach her century.
My brother got a call from the Alzheimer's Society in Sussex, but he explained that Mum is moving to near me and if we want help we'll contact the AS near me.
My brother accompanied her to the appointment with the psychiatrist. He was concerned that she'd be distressed by the diagnosis.
Actually, mum's reaction seems to be more confusion than distress. The psychiatrist, and her GP whom she saw the next day, both stressed that, since she is nearly 90, she will probably never experience the full effects of Alzheimer's. That seems to have left her confused about whether she is actually diagnosed with Alzheimer's or not.
It is a tricky one for us, because on the one hand we'd like her to take the Aricept, on the other we don't want to upset her and would like to reassure her that she doesn't have Alzheimer's. I'm saying things like "You're borderline, mum, and the drugs might make sure you stay that way". That seems to work.
Personally, I'm not convinced she won't experience the worst of Alzheimer's. She may be 90, but one of her grannies died at 93, and that was pre-NHS or antibiotics! There is every reason to think mum might reach her century.
My brother got a call from the Alzheimer's Society in Sussex, but he explained that Mum is moving to near me and if we want help we'll contact the AS near me.
