High Risk Of Dementia

[phleb]

Why does one get dementia? We haven't been told by anyone that my mum is at high risk. Just spotted on computer screen while at doctors with her. Why did they not tell us or my mum about this? How do they make such an assumption?

[woofgang]

Well why didn't you ask the doctor?
Dementias are caused by many different factors. With some, genes are a factor, alcohol abuse can lead to it, some people have vascular disease (multiple small strokes) and so on. You really have to talk to the doctor.

[ummmm]

My nan and great nan had/has it so I assume I'm at risk. My mother isn't showing signs yet, and fingers crossed she won't, but she's only 60.

[Buenchico]

>>>Why did they not tell us or my mum about this?

Probably because they could see little point in worrying you about something that neither you nor they can have any control over.

>>>How do they make such an assumption?

Without knowing your mother's medical history we can't answer that. However some things are known to increase the risk of dementia (such as suffering a stroke or an inability to properly absorb B vitamins), so perhaps they've seen a high-risk factor in your mother's records.

It's also important to note that the reference to 'dementia' might not relate to Alzheimer's Disease, as there are other forms of dementia:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/dementia-guide/Pages/causes-of-dementia.aspx

[Sqad]

\\\\\\Just spotted on computer screen while at doctors with her.\\\\

The may have been subtle changes in a special part of the brain known as the hippocampus which is known to be the seat of dementias, particularly Altzheimers.

[anneasquith]

phleb, did mum see the notice ?

[sandyRoe]

Were they her records on the screen?

[beso]

Lack of exercise is one of the more recent factors believed to contribute to a risk of dementia.

[Sqad]

phleb........please ignore my post above as I mistranslated your comment about computer screen.

I thought that you meant CT screen.

[phleb]

Sqad, no worries. Booked an appointment with mums gp to discuss, hope its nothing to worry about. my mum has been through a lot in life. thanks all. xx

[RATTER15]

Exactly as woofgang said.

There are over 100 causes for dementia, I should ask the GP why he has come to such a conclusion.

[RATTER15]

Will your Mum be going with you for this discussion, it is highly unlikely that a GP will discuss another patients medical records without the express permission of that person.

[slaney]

For about the last year GPs have been encouraged to ask suitable patients questions to see if they are at risk of dementia. (Dementia screening DES)
It could be that your mother's GP has done this.

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/clinical/therapy-areas/elderly-care/dementia-tsar-admits-mistakes-in-enhanced-service/20005176.article#.Uz5zhahDU8k

[slaney]

If you scroll down to the 5th paragraph you can see the list of those considered to be at risk...
"those aged 60 and over with cardiovascular disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease or diabetes" etc.

[DTCwordfan]

Hard to say phleb - loads of conditions can cause it - there are nigh on ten different forms of it, Alzheimers and Vascular being two of the main types (and a big difference in the two, the latter associated with stroke damage but not exclusively, the former possibly more genetically driven. If your mother is showing signs of cardiovascular issues, they may just be flagging it up to keep an eye on her. I would get her to ask the doctor next time - has she been forgetful, a little clumsy etc - more so than usual? (allowing for senior moments, which we all can have!).

I wouldn't get too het up if those signs aren't there, rather keep her b-pressure under order and if she has anything like thyroid issues, that's important too.