Wow what a website - have just been reading through and found so many touching experiences and wonderful words of support. A real community spirit. Therefore, this has pursuaded me to take the plunge and attempt an intro and ask for your help:
I'm 33, married (wonderful hubby, no kids as yet) and live and work in Edinburgh. The reason I have stumbled onto this forum is that I am worried that my Dad may be showing early signs of A or something else.
My parents live 230 miles away from me and 90 miles from my brother. Having recently returned from a visit to see for myself (Dad thought I was there for a mini holiday with them) I can confirm my Mum's worries (I talk to my Mum at least every two days on the telephone - though sometimes several times a day more recently).
My Dad appears to be asking the same questions and is very repetative. He certainly struggles with what day it is (though sometimes gets it right). He retired 4 years ago (he is 69) but still has a little P/T job driving (he was a truck driver). His driving still appears sound, his movement is fine, but he seems to suffer alot of short term memory loss, doesn't retain answers to the questions he asks - hence repeating the questions. He point blank refuses to see a doctor and says it's just old age, I don't think he thinks there is a problem. He is also very short tempered, particularly with my poor Mum. When she reminds him of something sometimes he won't believe her and it turns into an argument. He has also now forgotten how to turn the central heating on and off (had the same system for about 8 years!). He will start a task (ie. dinner) then sit down half way through and forget about it (reads the paper). He either denies the problem, changes the subject, covers it up (very good at this by the way) or gets annoyed. My Mum is doing her best to keep him straight, but I'm sure it must be taking its toll. Plus he doesn't help out at home like he used to anymore - so that means more for Mum to do.
My visit was to try and pursuade him to go to the doc's but I failed. Therefore I will be visiting Mum and Dad again at Easter and try again (trying for the wear him down - go to the doc's just to get me off his case tactic - Daddy's little girl attempt didn't work, Mum is very worried tactic didn't work either).
Does anyone think these symptoms could be A? Or something else? Are they similar? Not sure if I am over-reacting, but if it is something sinister surely early diagnosis is key? How do I get a very proud, stubborn (typical Yorkshireman) who I love very much to go to the doc's? (Nevermind a clinic!) By the way I have tried to get him to the doc's on other pretences - but he is too sharp a cookie to fall for it! My Grandma (My Dad's mum) died when I was four and I recall going to visit her in a home - she didn't know who we were - so looks to me like it was Dementia or similar. Perhaps this is what worries my Dad - not that he will talk about any of it!
My brother isn't the most tactful and has now resorted to trying to make a joke out of it - unfortunately his inspiration comes from coronation street and has started calling Dad "Mike" - not very sensitive is it, but perhaps its the only way my brother thinks will help (or can deal with it). Plus my Dad watches Coronation St ( I don't, but was horrified when I watched it for the first time with him the other day - no wonder he seems to be burrying his head in the sand!).
Sorry for the lengthy note - but you all do seem very helpful and supportive in the postings I have read so I thought I would try type as much down as possible. I look forward to hearing from you, any suggestions would be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance.
I'm 33, married (wonderful hubby, no kids as yet) and live and work in Edinburgh. The reason I have stumbled onto this forum is that I am worried that my Dad may be showing early signs of A or something else.
My parents live 230 miles away from me and 90 miles from my brother. Having recently returned from a visit to see for myself (Dad thought I was there for a mini holiday with them) I can confirm my Mum's worries (I talk to my Mum at least every two days on the telephone - though sometimes several times a day more recently).
My Dad appears to be asking the same questions and is very repetative. He certainly struggles with what day it is (though sometimes gets it right). He retired 4 years ago (he is 69) but still has a little P/T job driving (he was a truck driver). His driving still appears sound, his movement is fine, but he seems to suffer alot of short term memory loss, doesn't retain answers to the questions he asks - hence repeating the questions. He point blank refuses to see a doctor and says it's just old age, I don't think he thinks there is a problem. He is also very short tempered, particularly with my poor Mum. When she reminds him of something sometimes he won't believe her and it turns into an argument. He has also now forgotten how to turn the central heating on and off (had the same system for about 8 years!). He will start a task (ie. dinner) then sit down half way through and forget about it (reads the paper). He either denies the problem, changes the subject, covers it up (very good at this by the way) or gets annoyed. My Mum is doing her best to keep him straight, but I'm sure it must be taking its toll. Plus he doesn't help out at home like he used to anymore - so that means more for Mum to do.
My visit was to try and pursuade him to go to the doc's but I failed. Therefore I will be visiting Mum and Dad again at Easter and try again (trying for the wear him down - go to the doc's just to get me off his case tactic - Daddy's little girl attempt didn't work, Mum is very worried tactic didn't work either).
Does anyone think these symptoms could be A? Or something else? Are they similar? Not sure if I am over-reacting, but if it is something sinister surely early diagnosis is key? How do I get a very proud, stubborn (typical Yorkshireman) who I love very much to go to the doc's? (Nevermind a clinic!) By the way I have tried to get him to the doc's on other pretences - but he is too sharp a cookie to fall for it! My Grandma (My Dad's mum) died when I was four and I recall going to visit her in a home - she didn't know who we were - so looks to me like it was Dementia or similar. Perhaps this is what worries my Dad - not that he will talk about any of it!
My brother isn't the most tactful and has now resorted to trying to make a joke out of it - unfortunately his inspiration comes from coronation street and has started calling Dad "Mike" - not very sensitive is it, but perhaps its the only way my brother thinks will help (or can deal with it). Plus my Dad watches Coronation St ( I don't, but was horrified when I watched it for the first time with him the other day - no wonder he seems to be burrying his head in the sand!).
Sorry for the lengthy note - but you all do seem very helpful and supportive in the postings I have read so I thought I would try type as much down as possible. I look forward to hearing from you, any suggestions would be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance.