Mums First Assessment

[cathy]

I AM DUE TO TAKE MY MOTHER IN LAW FOR HER VISIT TO A SPECIALIST ON THE 30.10.03 AND WOULD BE GRATEFUL IF ANYONE COULD TELL ME WHAT TO EXPECT, DO I NEED TO TAKE ANY "NOTES" WITH ME REGARDING MUMS SYMPTOMS BECAUSE ALTHOUGH MUM IS VERY MUCH IN THE STAGES OF DEMENTIA (OR COULD IT BE ALZHEIMERS? I DONT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE) I SOMETIMES FEEL SHE IS VERY MUCH AWARE OF WHAT IS GOING ON AND AS SHE IS TOTALLY UNAWARE OF HAVING ANY ILLNESS I WOULD BE RELUCTANT TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ASKED OF ME IN FRONT OF HER. ALSO WOULD IT HELP THE CASE IF WE TRIED TO INSTILL IN MUM THAT SHE INDEED HAS AN ILLNESS AND THAT IS THE REASON SHE CAN NO LONGER LOOK AFTER HERSELF AND THE REASON SHE CANT GO TO THE SHOPS AND THE REASON HER FAMILY ARE WITH HER 24/7, ALL OF WHICH SHE QUESTIONS EVERYDAY. AS HER SHORT TERM MEMORY IS NON EXISTENT WE THOUGHT WHAT IS THE POINT OF TELLING HER SHE IS ILL, WOULD SHE REMEMBER AND ACCEPT IT. AN INSIGHT FROM ANYONE ON WHAT THE SPECIALIST WILL DO AND WHAT FOLLOWS AFTER THAT WOULD BE APPREICIATED.


MANY THANKS

CATHY

 

[Angela]

Hi Cathy
Firstly in answer to your query, Alzheimer's disease is one of the many different types of diagnosed dementia, it is also the most commonest.
I would expect that on Mums first visit, she will be asked to take a memory test, usually a MMSE Mini Mental State Examination, which is commonly used to determind the extent of her memory difficulties. This is a small test which involves being asked to reply verbally to questions such as name, date and place of birth, then asked to do a math test, and more current questions such as season, prime minister, and asked to recall 3 objects that she is told a few moments earlier.
I dont think you actually need to bring notes, but it may be most useful if as you say Mum is not aware of her problem, if you try to speak to someone seperately to Mum, to save her any embarrassement by contradicting what she says during the meeting.
Afterwards, they may send Mum for further tests, ie blood, possible a CAT scan to help determind if she does have a form of dementia, which type she has, and so how best they will be able to help.

This is a very rough guide to give you an idea.
Please let us know how it goes. Good luck.

 

[cathy]

Hi Angela

Thanks so much for your usefull info, this site has certainly brought me so much insight into this awful illness, i get great comfort just knowing someone is listening and sharing what all the members are going through. I have found out more in 2 weeks with you than i have in the last two years.

I will post a note after mums specialist visit,

Thanks again

CATHY
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