Hi,
My name is Naomi and I'm 24. My grandparents brought me up for my entire life and on Wednesday my nana was diagnosed with vascular dementia.
They told us there is no cure and nothing we can do but watch it deteriorate and be there for her but surely that can't be right? There must things we can do to help.
I have a 2 year old son who adores his 'nan nan' and I'm trying really hard to carry on as normal and just be there for her as much as I can but I feel like I've been hit by a bus.
I just want to know if there is anything anyone can suggest for us to try and slow this disease down? Any alternative therapy? Just anything.
Thank you for reading.
Naomi x
Hi
Firstly well done for speaking out. We don't realise that just speaking how we feel aloud helps. Not easy but beneficial.
The reality is that there is no cure as vascular is due to blood supply issues. My dad has dementia that has 2 sets of symptoms..and even though medicated it's not a cure medication is to aid his cognitive thinking side..only 1% but hey we ll take that.
It depends at what stage your nan was when diagnosed and behavioural changes are common.
When the brain has a disease like dementia it damages the thinking reason memory numbers logic bit first!. So they're left thinking assessing through the brain part that deals with emotion. Hence things being emotional highly charged and agitated.
It might be that your nan is a child or teenager or young lady as her memories have faded away. This then could be frightening for her...he's a stranger..or a man not her dad looking after her. He says she's his wife but she thinks she's younger and married a young mam. How frightening it would be to wake up to a stranger.
There are things the gp can do by way of medications to help ease the agitation. .so please ask them!
Secondly they need a social services care assessment. Everyone who has a diagnosis by law is entitled to one.
The carer or carers matter to. They could arrange a break for your gramps ..and also assist you. There are lots of groups out there to help.
Have your local alzheimers society officer to call.
I would when your ready read their fact sheet on vascular dementia. The more you know the better. Eventhough it's changeable disease with some.
You have rights and it's about what your nan you and family need and are entitled to...so keep strong!!
Join things..choir craft singing for the brain. Etc. Take your nan g dad and yourself. If your nan won't go arrange a sitter and you go!..meet people who also have kids and have a loved one with dementia.
Miracle cures ..are miracles because they are too good to be true. Food drink right medication will help keep other illnesses away...that ll help.
Best wishes