Dementia...

[ummmm]

When someone with dementia gets to the stage that they're starting to forget basic things, like using a knife and fork, does it tend to go downhill rapidly?

[gina32]

a urine infrcyion can mmake old people confused more so than normal, sommetimes with dementia they can be bad one day and well the next

[ummmm]

Lottie....no, she's never suffered with incontinence.

DT - she had a mastectomy in Dec.....

[gina32]

just read my post back, l;ooks like ive got it lol

[ummmm]

lol Gina...

She's always had good and bad days....the bad days she just tended to get a bit aggressive.

[DTCwordfan]

Ummmm - the attendance allowance is not hooked to income and wealth....carers allowances are. Granting of the attendance allowance, after resigstration with the Mental Unit leads to a local tax reduction as they need the stamp of the Dr with whom the patient is with.

[ummmm]

He's probably getting it then. Social services have been out a few times to go through his options so I'm sure they would have told him what he's entitled to. It was social services that suggested he go into a home...

Mentally he's 100%....he has physical needs.

[DTCwordfan]

aggression can be a side reaction of dementia. There are many sad behaviours that come out but one can usually see certain categories within the individual patient. For example, we have had the "you have stolen my jewellery, my money and my sister even got a "my sanitary towel" before she clicked back and realised what she had said. Things being placed in weird hidey homes is very common and we have had some very interesting searches...havent had the shampoo or toiletries in the fridge - yet.

Things took a down turn two weeks ago. Her Aga was out (tank leak), and something just nagged me to go and check the kitchen before heading out. The room was full of acrid blue smoke. She had left the stove rings on and some fat underneath was burning........and that is often a side effect of dementia, that they come to harm in some manner.

[DTCwordfan]

It really is a shame, ummmm and I sympathise with you if they are close relatives or friends of yours. There are some lighter moments though...seize on these and also times that you think you are going mad!

I was watching that Rick Stein in Spain programme lat week and they were on the quay side in Santander or Bilbao. Rick turns to the fishing boat and says "What do you have in there?"

Answer from yours truly, "Fish...."

My sister has it on both sides and her 95 year old m-i-l is really doolally. She and her partner were up there for Xmas and over lunch, "Where's you father?"

They ignored the question. On the fifth time, her partner said, "Mum, he died six years ago."

Answer, "How inconsiderate of him! He didn't tell me...."

[ubasses]

Sounds like your Mum is at the same stage as mine, been in Home 4 years, somedays cannot work out what the plate in front of her is for and they have to sit and encourage her, others she will get on with it. A few months back she had her first 'accident' and has gradually become more incontinent. When I visited Monday, she did not know who I was, could not stand up and just did not want to be bothered. Today she was alert, drinking a cup of tea, chatty, (although repetative). These days I do not know what to expect each time. Just grateful I found such a good place who always keep me informed of how she is, gets the doctor to her for regular checks, and regular stimulation. She can get aggressive when they try to get her up to the toilet in the night and sometimes refuses her medication. She had a stroke at 49 which unfortunately left her with epilepsy, so there is that to deal with as well.

[ummmm]

Lol DT....there are really funny moment at times. Watching her try and snog grandad is hilarious.....

ubasses - It's my Nan. Although she's usually really happy, lately she's started to look miserable. I'm wondering if it's because she's forgetting more and more. She was such a sociable women being a publican most of her working life. She gets taken out at least 4 times a week....and visits inbetween, so she's getting stimulation.

So Eddie...it's basically just a waiting game. It's such a sad illness :-(

[roxie_09]

Umm, I really really feel for you. Touch wood I've never had to experience a member of family suffering with it, but have worked with people on the wards that do and yes it is so sad to see :(. There is no set rules and everyone is different. Has she been on mess to try and slow down the effects of the dementia? As the meds work for a time and then there is a rapid deterioration. As already said however, it could be as simple as a urinary infection. I wish you all the best xxx

[RATTER15]

Like Eddie said, "no rules", some seem to remain stationary with no decline some decline rapidly. If she has become incontinent try and get a urine sample to the GP, its often a sign of a UTI or some other illness.

I hope it sorts itself soon xx

[ummmm]

Hi Roxie and Ratter...

I'll make sure she's not having accidents when we aren't with her xx