Senility/dementia

[EcclesCake]

Are there any simple tests or indicators to look out for of senility/dementia?

I have to admit to not appreciating the difference between the two but I am concerned about an ageing relative who is presenting some unusual behaviours.

I have no doubt they know the day of the week and who the PM is but I was wondering if there are other tests/observations to be made in the behaviour of the elderly that may indicate the onset of senility or whatever.

[woofgang]

pixie, vascular dementia or atheroma can be identified by imaging, you are right about true Alzheimer's IIRC

[EcclesCake]

I entirely understand where you are coming from Woof hence me clarifying my use of deceitful with self-deception.

The individual is no danger to themselves or others as things currently stand. I am just concerned that they are living a somewhat diminished life when a little honesty with their GP and others would enhance their quality of life greatly.

[EcclesCake]

I submitted too soon....

I remain concerned about the pouring of milk into their tea while declaring that they were finished with it....and other similar episodes. I will simply keep an eye out for further similar episodes and consider ways of gently addressing it......

[Mosaic]

Eccles, from experience with close relatives... the state of the bedding can be another 'tell', as the aged one may initially not be up to changing bedlinen, and then simply forget about it.

[EcclesCake]

Sadly, Mosaic, such 'tells' won't help in this scenario as the person in question has help in the house.

[woofgang]

Eccles, one thing you could keep an eye on is how her clothes fit. Two more serious issues can be either forgetting they have eaten and therefore eating a meal again, or, more commonly forgetting to eat. While her clothes still fit okay then she is likely eating normal amounts.

[RATTER15]

I run a dementia unit for 6 years, I cant improve on anything that woofgang has already said, she is spot on, especially concerning your relatives choices and decisions, she may not make the choices you would make but she, like us are permitted to make the wrong choices and bad decisions. As long as she is safe from harm I would just keep a close eye on her. Their are "Memory Cafe's" all around the country I believe, you could possibly attend these to get more advice and information, you could maybe take your relative if she would be interested.

[woofgang]

Thank you RATTER, sometimes I feel like a voice crying in the wilderness.....

[atalanta]

Try talking about someone the elderly person used to know very well, who may have died or moved away. See if s/he can remember anything about that person. It is a giveaway, for instance, if a widower is convinced his dead wife is still around, and calls out to her. repeatedly. Or if he can no longer name a son/daughter/brother/sister.

[EcclesCake]

Thank you to Ratter and Woof, I appreciate that it is up to the individual to make their own decisions. It is difficult to see how those decisions are impacting on others close to them though :-(

Atalanta, I appreciate your suggestion but that isn't the issue here.