Getting diagnosis

[Rocketmanager]

I would be really grateful if anyone can help with what happens to my mum, how long things take.
My mum is 73 and we first started noticing slight memory problems about 6-8 months ago. Nothing too bad to start with but things have quite quickly went downhill. General forgetfulness/ lack of personal care/ not eating etc. Things came to a head around a month ago when a couple of unexplained falls resulted in a hospital admission.

All tests carried out were normal apart from the moca test which was 10/30. We had a visit from the memory clinic today for more tests but they didn’t say results.

Does anyone know what the next steps are?

Hi, didn't want to leave you unanswered.

My experience is that after the memory test, they will be called back in within a couple of weeks to see the consultant who will give the test results (but no context ie my dad scored 73 which my parents left the appointment thinking was a good score....it isn't) then if test has shown dementia is likely, they will arrange a brain scan. We were told that would take 6 weeks but the scan was much faster but then did take almost 5 weeks to see consultant again to get results of scan.

I think they are reluctant to diagnose dementia until they have all the information. It is a painfully long process but having been through it, the actual diagnosis doesn't actually change anything apart from my dad is now on medication. No one tells you how progressed it is or how rapid the decline is. We are no clearer about what the future holds. I thought the diagnosis would be a turning point of some description but that hasn't been the case.

Sorry about your mum. Hope you are ok.

Hi @Popcorn1979

Thank you so much for your replying. My mum has already had the scan done 4 weeks ago after her admission to hospital.
I think you are right in that I’m expecting the diagnosis to be a turning point and I think that is why I’m hoping for a quick diagnosis But in reality it’s not going to make any real difference day to day.
It’s really hard as I’m doing everything on my own and I find it really upsetting seeing my mum like this

My experience was that my father did the ACE test in about October, scoring in the "inconclusive" range, had a CT scan in January, was seen again in March, given a "mild cognitive impairment" diagnosis and discharged. But also referred to the local dementia support team who offered direct support for him and also for me as carer - mainly of the hand-holding advice type, which I'm actually getting from mumsnet, but it is good to know that I have local support I can turn to.

Another family member noticed minor cognitive symptoms, had a disturbing CT scan, scored 100% on ACE, but was referred to neuropsychology on the basis of the scan, and after a 6 month wait has an appointment coming up next week.

Thank you for your response @MereDintofPandiculation

It just seems like such a mine field at the moment and I don’t really know where to turn to .
I left a message on my dm social workers voicemail at the beginning of September with no reply and when I phoned again today it turns out she’d been discharged

Discharged from the memory clinic or discharged from the SW list?

Discharged from the sw list

Hi, sorry to hear about your situation.

In my own case I am hoping an eventual diagnosis will allow a PoA to come into effect, in which case it will be quite a critical development.

Discharged from the sw list Hmm. I don't really know what to suggest from here! Back to GP with concerns about her coping on her own? Ask social services for an assessment of needs (she doesn't need a diagnosis for this). You'll need to make it clear you can't be a carer, and understate what you can actually do. Pepper your conversation with words like "safeguarding".

Meanwhile chase up with the memory clinic and ask what happens next.

Have you got PoA Health and Welfare? IF she still has capacity, get it quickly, and register it. You can't use it until she's lost capacity, but in practice medical people are more likely to share information with you if you have it. "Next of kin" isn't enough. You can also write a letter for her to sign to be put on her file with GP allowing GP to discuss her with you.

And get PoA Finance otherwise if she goes into a home you won't be able to pay home fees from her money.