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Elderly parents

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Original poster

Oh help, Dad just failed the “draw a clock” test

36 replies

Zapx · 07/06/2024 15:52

The numbers mostly looked okay, but it had “segments” so it kind of looked like a pizza, and the minute hand was in the wrong place.

He was there because we’d noticed little things that were a bit weird, that were a lot of the time to do with spelling. He’s always been great with words, loves crosswords etc so when he couldn’t spell things it was a bit of a red flag. (He gets mixed up between beach / beech etc) He’s got lost a couple of times too which is unlike him.

Difficult not to panic really, but trying to be practical. They were thinking of moving nearer me so that will hopefully happen sooner rather than later. Anyone got any “best practices” ideas for supplements/diet etc that would help him? He’s only in his 60s.

OP posts:

qwertyqwertyqwertyqwerty · 08/06/2024 23:41

KnickerlessParsons · 08/06/2024 23:39

I don't think that's peri menopause.

Show quote history

I agree.

@soupfiend I think you should get this checked out.

KnickerlessParsons · 08/06/2024 23:39

soupfiend · 07/06/2024 20:38

You say he was 'there'

Where is 'there', at an appointment for assessment?

As I get older I find when I read back what Ive written that the ends of words are hanging off, I might use of instead of off, they're their and there get muddled up, hear and here, I often write difficult instead of different, things like that

I type things out phonetically now, the words look unrecognisable and I think, what is that word Im trying to type.

I put it down to peri menopause to be honest

I don't think that's peri menopause.

Jonas25 · 08/06/2024 23:36

That is tough news at such a relatively young age. If diagnosed push for access to disease modifying drugs due to be approved this year.

olderbutwiser · 08/06/2024 23:35

Get poa in place as soon as you can if you haven’t already.

PermanentTemporary · 08/06/2024 23:12

Im sorry, it is so frightening when your very capable family member suddenly changes like this.

Has he got a diagnosis now? Has he had any advice from the memory clinic?

Are there big lifestyle changes he could consider making - stopping smoking, lower salt diet, losing weight, taking prescribed medication? Those things are worth doing but honestly - give yourselves time to process it all.

Slugsandsnailsresidehere · 08/06/2024 17:01

Sorry to read your update OP. It sounds like a real shock for you all.
Is your DF still working/driving? Do they know which type of dementia he might have? The Memory Clinic should be able to signpost you to local services which could help support your DPs through diagnosis and follow up. Admiral nurses were helpful with us too.

Original poster

Zapx · 08/06/2024 16:06

Ah so sorry all, he was at a memory clinic appt where he failed it. Sorry! My post didn’t make much sense. Got referred there from his gp after he had delirium from a really bad infection earlier in the year. I just didn’t expect him to do so badly? Came as a massive shock.

OP posts:

LizzieBennett73 · 07/06/2024 20:45

You really need to get him to his GP. I thought my Dad was showing signs of dementia, and it turned out to be a lot more sinister. You need to know what you're dealing with before you can make plans/take actions. Email or phone his GP and they'll get him in for an assessment.

Slugsandsnailsresidehere · 07/06/2024 20:42

He needs to get a referral from his GP to the memory clinic for a brain scan and to do some cognitive tests. The memory clinic was a great source of support and information for our family so we could plan better for family life. Admiral nurses and Age concern were great too.