Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Dementia and Alzheimer's

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

"Even if he is diagnosed with dementia, what difference will it make?"

29 replies

LaBelleSauvage123 · 09/02/2023 18:25

This is a quote from my dad's nursing home - his GP has also implied this to me. We've been trying for months to get a referral but they keep saying he has to be three months clear of antibiotics to be referred to the memory clinic. I'd always thought that it would make a difference - we would know what type of dementia he had and there might be targeted treatments and medication. But maybe I'm wrong? Would be grateful for opinions and descriptions of how a dementia diagnosis has helped your loved on - or not. We're bring made to feel we're a bit daft for pursuing it.

OP posts:
Crabbyboot · 10/02/2023 14:05

LaBelleSauvage123 · 10/02/2023 09:34

Crabbyboot thank you. Hearing aids are an issue as his have got lost at the home and the waiting list for at home hearing assessment is horrendous, as is the NHS list. But we do need to try to sort it as it’s definitely an issue. He has a large screen digital clock and up to date glasses. I think a memory box might be a good idea, though so many (all!) his memories are entwined with my mum ( who died 11 years ago) and it seems to make him sad to compare then and now. We get a lot of ‘how have I come to this’ type comments.
Delirium has always been on the cards and in fact they were sure he had delirium when he first came out of hospital last July. He’s definitely worse if he’s ill or has a temperature, even slightly raised. But surely if it was delirium it would have resolved by now?

I'm so sorry he is feeling so low it must be very difficult for you as well.
Is he sleeping and eating ok?
Delirium can last months sometimes and if he keeps getting infections he could be going in and out of it. Unless he is free of infection it would be impossible to get an accurate diagnosis of dementia as the delirium may confuse things.

Original poster
LaBelleSauvage123 · 10/02/2023 14:14

He doesn’t always sleep well - he is often restless. Eats like a horse!

OP posts:
Crabbyboot · 10/02/2023 22:01

I am glad to hear that he is at least enjoying his food! I hope your meeting goes well next week and you can find some solutions that work for him.

Original poster
LaBelleSauvage123 · 10/02/2023 22:49

Thank you, and thanks for your thoughtful responses.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page