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Dm early onset dementia

6 replies

Nc2702 · 25/10/2020 01:04

Not sure where to put this, name changed as dont want it linked with my usual account and other posts. Just need to talk to someone.

Dm has to take tablets for her heart, a side affect can be an early onset of dementia. Well, she has symptoms, she genuinely cannot remember something I've said 5 minutes earlier. She's almost 50. I've asked her to go to the doctors, and she said she's afraid she'll seem stupid if she does. I'm not sure what to do really, it's breaking my heart. Obviously I can't force her but all I can do is keep asking her, begging her if needs must. I just want to cry. She's not had a happy life, i can't remember the last time she did something for herself without worrying about if it will upset/in incidence someone else.

OP posts:
ZombiePara · 25/10/2020 01:27

Try to explain to her that by going to the doctor, they can look at either changing her heart medication, or add an extra one to help her memory (if deemed appropriate).

The go definitely wont think she is stupid, and the earlier these things are caught the better in terms of slowing any deterioration.

Before they even start diagnosing or thinking about dementia they do a blood test and ecg to rule out any other cause of memory problems - this in itself might reassure your mum that the go will look at every angle.

If it is indeed dementia, then she needs to know what she (and you) are dealing with - you will want to aim for more good says than bad.

My experience is both professional and personal; my grandmother is staunchly of the mindset that nothing is every wrong with her, grandad is far worse than she is, what's everyone else's problem. Nevertheless, we caught her on a good day, and I telephoned the dr to arrange an appointment to sit and kick start the dementia diagnosis. I knew it was due to my job, but we still went through the whole process etc.

As much as she kicked off about it all once there...she forgot about it. And she has some days where she is very self aware and knows something is wrong, but jot what it is.

Sorry, rambled a bit there.

Suggest that you are concerned about her, you want to make sure there isn't any other cause for her being a bit forgetful, and offer to be with her through it all. Offer to make the appointment - this may ease enough of her decision to agree to it

Katinski · 25/10/2020 01:35

How worrying, OP.Sad Any chance you can go to the Drs with her? It's perhaps possible that a change of heart meds might be possible, or even a urine test. UTI's can cause dementia-like symptoms, so something to think about there. I really hope that you can go with her to the drs. and talk through all the options.
Just my first thoughts. Flowers for you both.

Katinski · 25/10/2020 01:37

See that Zombie posted while I was typing mine Smile

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daisydalrymple · 25/10/2020 01:39

Oh my goodness, how old are you?? I came on this thread as Dad died from Alzheimer’s two years ago. I thought I could share all the info. But I’m 49 myself. Your mum is the same age as me. You could ring her GP and explain your concerns. Based on that they may ask her to come in for a check up. Until you get any kind of diagnosis though, you can’t act on her behalf. I really hope, for both of you, that it’s not this.

There’s plenty at this stage of life that can cause some memory loss, specifically hormonal changes. It may well be that your mum is menopausal and that’s causing all these changes.,

FagashJackie · 25/10/2020 01:54

It's such a horrible disease. So young for your mum.

I saw a really good programm probably BBC that showed ways to help people with their symptoms.

I'll try to look it up for you.

Weepah · 25/10/2020 02:10

can I ask what meds she is taking? she may have normal menopause related memory issues.

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