My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's yesterday. She's 73 and lives on her own. My and my sisters and brother have been worried about her for the past couple of years - she asks us the same questions again and again, fails to turn up for appointments, regularly loses her keys, purse etc,
The diagnosis came after her GP referred her to the local 'memory management' service. First a consultant came to see her, then a psychologist who did a two-hour assessment in her home, with me there. The psychologist came yesterday to give the results, but didn't mention Alzheimer's, although it was clear to me and my sister that that was what it was. Later my sister rang the psychologist who said it was Alzheimer's.
Now we're in the awkward position that we know, but my mother doesn't. She knows there's a problem, and is very anxious about it, but she hasn't asked outright what it is. The psychologist said she would ask when she was ready. Should we try and tell her, or wait till she asks?
Also, the psychologist is going to recommend some drugs which can delay further deterioration. I asked what the drugs were called, but she was a bit vague about it. Has anyone got experience of these drugs?
Any advice, or comments from people with similar expereiences would be very welcome. Just reading the posts already here has made me feel better for knowing that there are people out there going through the same kinds of problems.
Jenny
The diagnosis came after her GP referred her to the local 'memory management' service. First a consultant came to see her, then a psychologist who did a two-hour assessment in her home, with me there. The psychologist came yesterday to give the results, but didn't mention Alzheimer's, although it was clear to me and my sister that that was what it was. Later my sister rang the psychologist who said it was Alzheimer's.
Now we're in the awkward position that we know, but my mother doesn't. She knows there's a problem, and is very anxious about it, but she hasn't asked outright what it is. The psychologist said she would ask when she was ready. Should we try and tell her, or wait till she asks?
Also, the psychologist is going to recommend some drugs which can delay further deterioration. I asked what the drugs were called, but she was a bit vague about it. Has anyone got experience of these drugs?
Any advice, or comments from people with similar expereiences would be very welcome. Just reading the posts already here has made me feel better for knowing that there are people out there going through the same kinds of problems.
Jenny