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Thread: Alzheimers...any experts...particularly medical folks

  1. #1
    Join Date: Jul 2011

    Location: lancashire

    Posts: 802
    I'm brian.

    Default Alzheimers...any experts...particularly medical folks

    Just a cry for help from me.

    My Dad was diagnosed with this horrible disease a few years ago, and things have being going downhill since then.

    I know that this is a progessive disease and things get worse, but Im kind of floundering at the moment and would welcome any input.

    He has lived on his own for many years ( he is 84 ) in sheltered accomodation, where he has looked after himself. cooking , washing etc , etc

    But about 1 year ago we had to put other stuff in place. This help has gradually increased, and he now gets 3 visits daily to help with all aspects of his life.
    This is a mixture of me paying privately for some stuff and social services paying for other stuff.
    All aspects of his life are now helped/supervised.

    That side of things is all fine and Im not looking for advice in that area.

    Im looking for specific advice, just on the medical side, if possible.

    I have full power of attorney and pretty much make all choices now in relation to his life.
    About 6 weeks ago we had a review of his position, including the Dementia Consulatant who looks after Dad.
    He decided that his condition merited a doubling of the dosage of the drug which slows down the worsening condition. Also to put Dad on anti depressants. I went with it, and agreed.

    Since then , we seem to have had a marked deterioration in every way.
    increased confusion, frustration, sadness etc etc.
    I now receive daily tearful phone calls. Crys for help. Heartbreaking stuff, as I live 5 hours away, and only manage up once a month, or in emergencies !!

    As I said, i know this is only going one way, and that there are no rules about how quickly this occurs.

    It is just that things seemed to have changed so quickly since this latest drug change. The mental health team want to give the new drug regime longer.

    Im really not keen to argue with a Dementia consultant............. But......

    It may just be a coincidence and a natural part of his decline....but it doesnt feel right.

    Any thoughts, please

  2. #2
    Join Date: Feb 2013

    Location: W Lothian

    Posts: 99,005
    I'm Grant.

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    I would certainly speaking again to this consultant and his gp too. May well be that the extra meds are not suitable or need adjusted. Dont just accept what they say, as they make mistakes like everyone. The time may come when a home may be only viable alternative but at moment i would be trying to get his meds adjusted or changed.
    Ask about weaning him off the extra ones and see if there is an improvement etc. Sure his/your gp will give you support
    Regards,
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  3. #3
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: N E Kent

    Posts: 51,624
    I'm Geoff.

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    Sorry to hear this Brian. I can't advise, but I do sympathise, we're going through a similar situation with the 93 year old mother in law. My wife is now having to stay with her indefinitely, as she can't be left on her own.
    It is impossible for anything digital to sound analogue, because it isn't analogue!

  4. #4
    Join Date: Oct 2012

    Location: The Black Country

    Posts: 6,089
    I'm Alan.

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    I'm not medical at all but I don't see why the anti depressants come into the equation.

    I have lived through dementia with my father so I know of some of the problems. Best wishes for an improvement.

  5. #5
    Join Date: Nov 2016

    Location: South Netherlands

    Posts: 80
    I'm John.

    Default

    The only help I can offer is that people who have the condition have been shown to benefit from music therapy, it helps them to show the progression of the disease and helps them make the best of their clearer times .....

  6. #6
    Join Date: Sep 2009

    Location: Derbyshire

    Posts: 9,228
    I'm Josie.

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    I'm not sure if my mum has got it. Spooky, I've just called her doctor about this...

    She is more depressed this time of year. As soon as the clocks change it really takes hold. It could be S.A.D but the other thing she really battles with is the death of my father in 2005. I can't talk to her even now without her bringing him up. And yes, tearful and confused on the phone also.

    She's a very proud person and won't speak to anyone about it but it's getting me down and so something has to be done to help.

    Best wishes to you and yours.
    Jo
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  7. #7
    Join Date: May 2010

    Location: Worcestershire, UK

    Posts: 1,101
    I'm Rob.

    Default

    Have you consider posting on the Alzheimers Society forum?
    Rob.
    Powered by crossed fingers and clenched buttocks

  8. #8
    Join Date: Jul 2012

    Location: dunfermline

    Posts: 664
    I'm martin.

    Default

    My mother suffers from this dreadful disease and went into a home approx 18 months ago, her meds have been tweaked up and down and some changed as they can react badly together in different people, she is on anti depressants but it took several attempts to get the mix correct. One of the biggest improvements came(once she'd settled in) came because she had company all day if she wished and simple activities to pass the day. It's difficult for all of us but at least I don't worry about her nearly so much now. It's a long process and it needs a dedicated doctor to persevere to get the meds just right, at least in the home she has 24 hour care and help if she needs/wants it, good luck to all.

    P.s. Discovered urinary infections can cause lots of problems to sufferers, easy to get checked and treat.

    P.p.s. No way an expert but hope I can offer a little help or just hope.
    Please take good care of your S2k keep it by your side for long and enjoy it from the bottom of your heart and share the quality and legacy of the S2k with many friends so that the legend of the S2k will continue for long. Shigeru Uehara Designer Honda S2000.

  9. #9
    Join Date: Jul 2011

    Location: lancashire

    Posts: 802
    I'm brian.

    Default

    Thanks to all for your input and support. It helps.

    Im going to contact the Dementia Consultant today, to have a chat about Dads downward turn.

    Thanks again

  10. #10
    Join Date: Nov 2016

    Location: Australia

    Posts: 38
    I'm Con.

    Default

    Hi Brian sorry to hear this,we all have someone we know and love with this condition. My only support I can give you is PLEASE try to have a look for a program called THE PROJECT in AUSTRALIA VIEWED ON 13/12. 2016 about the Australians making promising progress on ALZHEIMERS.

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