Assessment

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My mum has Parkinson’s and we have noticed a steady cognitive decline over the past 2 years. She is now struggling to use her phone, follow conversations, find things, remember things, etc. We have been advised by her PD nurse that she now needs constant supervision, and although she can still get dressed, wash herself, cook, etc, it’s clear that lucidity is waning and she finds it hard to understand a lot of what’s going on.

Last month she was referred from an initial assessment at the memory clinic to a more in depth assessment for dementia. At the appointment, they explained they would test all sorts - short and medium-term memory, language, executive function, etc. This would be across 3x 1.5 hour assessments.

She had the first assessment last week and yesterday refused to attend the second one, saying she no longer wished to do it. I explained it all to her again and she realised the importance and changed her mind. On calling the doctor to rebook, they said they have enough info to write their report and so won’t need to see her again.

I know I shouldn’t speculate and need to wait for the report, but I’m so baffled as to why they no longer need to see her again to complete the assessment. Is it likely that they got enough to diagnose her in the first session? Has anyone else had this?

I would think so yes. We had similar with my late mother, she went to the memory clinic once where they didn't miss a trick TBH. One of the nurses commented on how clean and well turned out she was to me and I laughed and said that was all down to me of course, she wasn't able to do it herself any more. She couldn't answer coherently most of the questions they asked in their chat and I remember how hard it was for dad and me to keep quiet and not help her out like we usually would. Then events took over, she fell one morning and ended up in hospital where almost immediately once she got through onto the A&E proper and saw the doctors they "diagnosed" dementia which was no surprise to dad and me at all, we'd worked it out for ourselves by then. Vascular dementia in her case. She'd had so many falls and because she was on blood thinners, they did a CT head scan every time so they had the evidence going back over several years in her record. There was one particularly funny moment at their house when it was all coming to a head. We were sitting round the kitchen table watching mum eat her breakfast when it transpired in conversation that mum was trying to transfer money to my brother but if they couldn't park in the disabled space outside the bank it couldn't happen due to her poor mobility . I suggested her writing a cheque then dad could pay it in for her. Dad asked if she knew where her cheque book was, mum replied "of course I don't" and we all fell about laughing. (I did find it later).

Thank you for sharing @CrotchetyQuaver - it’s nice to find the lighter side sometimes. I’m sorry you went through this though. It’s a terrible disease.

My DM isn’t quite as bad, but it definitely seems that we’re heading that way. I hope they don’t take weeks to send the report, I just want to know now.

If anyone else has experience, I’d really like to hear your thoughts.

My DMIL and my Dm were both diagnosed after a scan and one appointment. You have my sympathy. It's a hard thing to deal with.

Have you found the Elderly Parents section yet? It's a bit busier than this section and there's a long running support thread

Thank you @TinyMouseTheatre - I will look up that section.

We have the appointment to receive the report next Monday. It feels inevitable now.

I'm so sorry.

Do you have LPA's in place for Finance & Health? If not I'd really see if you can apply before Monday

Actually, a diagnosis of dementia doesn’t automatically mean that you can no longer apply for an LPA. But I agree, time is of the essence.
Parkinsons is very often linked to Lewy Body dementia. My stepfather had it as did my grandfather. SF managed to live relatively independently for about 5 years after diagnosis of LB, then needed full time care in a home for the remaining 3 years of his life. It’s a very sad, cruel disease I’m afraid.

Thank you both. LPAs have been in the works for a while but obviously now urgent.

Does that mean that the applications have been submitted and you're waiting for them to be processed?

No, they’re on the list of things to do. Mum has agreed to them. I think we are going to try to fill in the forms with her this weekend.