My father died a year ago, leaving mum quite unable to cope alone. I had known something was amiss with her for a few years -but couldn't put my finger on it, eventually putting whatever it was down to 'old age'. (she is a little over 70). Her short term memory is very bad, and it is hard for me to believe that somebody so socially normal, is actually struggling so very much with every day life. I now organise almost every aspect of her life.
We have been to the memory clinic and she has been prescribed Aricept for what they say is early stage alzheimer's. Some days I believe that they are mistaken; others I just know she is very ill indeed.
Back in Februaury her MMSE score was 23, then 21, and now it's 20. Can anyone throw any light on these scores? Is this still early stage, or are we verging on mid-stage? Mum still manages to live alone, close to me fortunately, but I am supporting her in many ways. She is unable to plan, shop for, or cook her own meals. Food goes off in her fridge ... all sorts of things which just aren't her. She can't manage her finances. She also is aware that this is happening, which distresses her.
I am still trying to find the time to come to terms with my Dad, now my Mum -and in addition, I suspect that others in the family believe I am imagining her problems!
Hope this isn't too long. My first time at this sort of thing. I was wondering if anyone is at a similar stage, or if anyone remembers this stage, and how it progressed. Any more info on MMSE would be welcome. Thanks
We have been to the memory clinic and she has been prescribed Aricept for what they say is early stage alzheimer's. Some days I believe that they are mistaken; others I just know she is very ill indeed.
Back in Februaury her MMSE score was 23, then 21, and now it's 20. Can anyone throw any light on these scores? Is this still early stage, or are we verging on mid-stage? Mum still manages to live alone, close to me fortunately, but I am supporting her in many ways. She is unable to plan, shop for, or cook her own meals. Food goes off in her fridge ... all sorts of things which just aren't her. She can't manage her finances. She also is aware that this is happening, which distresses her.
I am still trying to find the time to come to terms with my Dad, now my Mum -and in addition, I suspect that others in the family believe I am imagining her problems!
Hope this isn't too long. My first time at this sort of thing. I was wondering if anyone is at a similar stage, or if anyone remembers this stage, and how it progressed. Any more info on MMSE would be welcome. Thanks