I just wonder how we measure deterioration. The MMSE test is very basic and our local CPNs and consultant admit they only use it as a guide.
My husband has so called mixed dementia but as yet I have not noticed 'steps' down, more a gradual deterioration as in Alz.
How do I measure? I can look back over periods of 6 months, and yes I can see the decline. My diary show more 'events', more confused days, more repetitive questions, less understanding.
I have always said when he could not subtract 7 he was going to be in 'later' stages - BUT
I have done my own MMSE test on him (it is now over 9 mths since our last assessment). He, as always, could not answer the basic things to do with season, date, month etc. He never had a problem with subtraction, spelling WORLD, could never remember the 3 words etc etc. So his score was around 24 but this never accounted for his confusion and disorientation.
The alarm bells now ring. This time he could not subtract easily - got 2 wrong and found it difficult. Total score was 21 (reduction of 3 in 6 mths).
No problems with spelling or with writing sentence which read:
'My Jan is the person I love and adore!!!!!'
(Yesterday he did not know if we were married and who I was).
I know there are no real answers to this question but welcome other views.
Beckyjan
My husband has so called mixed dementia but as yet I have not noticed 'steps' down, more a gradual deterioration as in Alz.
How do I measure? I can look back over periods of 6 months, and yes I can see the decline. My diary show more 'events', more confused days, more repetitive questions, less understanding.
I have always said when he could not subtract 7 he was going to be in 'later' stages - BUT
I have done my own MMSE test on him (it is now over 9 mths since our last assessment). He, as always, could not answer the basic things to do with season, date, month etc. He never had a problem with subtraction, spelling WORLD, could never remember the 3 words etc etc. So his score was around 24 but this never accounted for his confusion and disorientation.
The alarm bells now ring. This time he could not subtract easily - got 2 wrong and found it difficult. Total score was 21 (reduction of 3 in 6 mths).
No problems with spelling or with writing sentence which read:
'My Jan is the person I love and adore!!!!!'
(Yesterday he did not know if we were married and who I was).
I know there are no real answers to this question but welcome other views.
Beckyjan