Hi,
My mom was diagnosed with non-specific dementia yesterday and now I have no idea what to do next.
My mums had bipolare disorder for the past 30 years, she's had about 6 nervouse breakdowns but in the past 6 years she's been completely stable and happier than I've ever seen her, then last Christmas we went to visit my sister in Canada (not a good trip) and when we got back I noticed immediately that she seemed to be going down hill. Her memory, speach, understanding and mobility all took the sharpest downturn I'd seen in ages. She lives in sheltered accomodation and the warden and I were both worried but thought it was just a knock caused by the disastrous trip. When a couple of months ago mum told me that she could no longer play bingo with her friends I really started to worry and spoke to her doctor.
When we got the diagnosis yesterday the doctor showed me her results. She was below normal for everything but her short term memory, speach and reflexes were off the chart bad. The doctor told me that the type of dimensia mom has doesn't usually respond to drugs although he has given her Donepezil just in case. If that doesn't work and my mom continues to go down hill at the same rate I can't see that she's going to have more than 1 to 2 years when she's "here" I know that's the pessimistic view and it could be much better but haveing dealt with her bipolare disorder all my life I've learnt to be realistic and plan for the worse while hoping for the best.
I guess I always suspected that this would happen to mom but it doesn't make it any less horrible. I'm currently in the crying every few minutes stage of acceptance but I know it will pass and I would feel better if I know what to do next. I want to make sure my mom gets to stay in her little flat for as long as possible as she's been happier there than anywhere else in her life but I'm vary aware that she's not very far off needing more help already. I also have a sister who is eger to get my mom into a care home as soon as possible but I know that isn't what my mom wants and I want her to have what she wants for as long as it's safe to do so.
Anyway, I think I forgot what my point was somewhere along the line but I just don't know where to go from here. Any sugestions gratefully appreciated?
My mom was diagnosed with non-specific dementia yesterday and now I have no idea what to do next.
My mums had bipolare disorder for the past 30 years, she's had about 6 nervouse breakdowns but in the past 6 years she's been completely stable and happier than I've ever seen her, then last Christmas we went to visit my sister in Canada (not a good trip) and when we got back I noticed immediately that she seemed to be going down hill. Her memory, speach, understanding and mobility all took the sharpest downturn I'd seen in ages. She lives in sheltered accomodation and the warden and I were both worried but thought it was just a knock caused by the disastrous trip. When a couple of months ago mum told me that she could no longer play bingo with her friends I really started to worry and spoke to her doctor.
When we got the diagnosis yesterday the doctor showed me her results. She was below normal for everything but her short term memory, speach and reflexes were off the chart bad. The doctor told me that the type of dimensia mom has doesn't usually respond to drugs although he has given her Donepezil just in case. If that doesn't work and my mom continues to go down hill at the same rate I can't see that she's going to have more than 1 to 2 years when she's "here" I know that's the pessimistic view and it could be much better but haveing dealt with her bipolare disorder all my life I've learnt to be realistic and plan for the worse while hoping for the best.
I guess I always suspected that this would happen to mom but it doesn't make it any less horrible. I'm currently in the crying every few minutes stage of acceptance but I know it will pass and I would feel better if I know what to do next. I want to make sure my mom gets to stay in her little flat for as long as possible as she's been happier there than anywhere else in her life but I'm vary aware that she's not very far off needing more help already. I also have a sister who is eger to get my mom into a care home as soon as possible but I know that isn't what my mom wants and I want her to have what she wants for as long as it's safe to do so.
Anyway, I think I forgot what my point was somewhere along the line but I just don't know where to go from here. Any sugestions gratefully appreciated?
to read about your Mum & can sympathize with you as my Father has Mild / Moderate Dementia ( live very near Parents 
