Dementia

qsducks · Post by **qsducks** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 12:08 pm

I just heard that one of my neighbor's has the beginnings of Dementia. She had a stroke about 8 yrs ago and is now exhibiting signs of losing it. She is such a wonderful person and my Quin & I really love her and her hubby who isn't doing much better. I would like to know what we can do to help them out. And one other thing is they are both still driving cars and their daughter's live right around us but I don't think they are taking us serious. I could be wrong, but it seems they aren't.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 12:11 pm

Sometimes Dementia takes awhile to take it's toll on the person. Just be there to help out when they need it, older people need help with lots of chores we don't think about. Driving-until you see a problem with it, don't worry. But if they are driving in a dangerous manner, you should tell a family member about it.

Dementia is a large term that is used to classify many things, each person will decline in a different manner, and it may take years.

qsducks · Post by **qsducks** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 12:49 pm

Yes I know what you mean. Helen came over yesterday and asked me 3 times where the party was and what time and I answered 5pm @ the community center and then I saw her parking her car the other day, whew, that was scary, thank god nobody was walking down the street. My other neighbor will not let her mow the lawn and does it for her. Oh, I just feel so sad for her. She is such a sweet woman.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 1:11 pm

That is nice everyone helps her, but the parking the car part sounds scary.

cars · Post by **cars** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 1:26 pm

Yes qsd, dementia is a terrible thing! My MIL has the beginnings of that dreaded disease! We go to visit her in the morning, and she keeps asking the same questions, & or repeats the same things dozens of times until we leave. Then we would talk to her on the phone in the afternoon, and she didn't remember that we were there. So we took her to her doc, & he gave her some script meds specifically for dementia, can't remember what the name of it is right now, but she has improved tremendiously. The doc said catching it in the early stages is paramount for the meds to work best! The meds won't cure it, but will slow down the process, & keep it in check for quite some time. So if you can get your neighbor's daughter to finally take her mom to the doc & be tested, & she shows the signs of dementia, then the doc could start the dementia meds. The sooner the better!

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 2:27 pm

Dementia is one of the causes of Alzheimer's Disease a drug used to treat this is "Aricept" Patients need a complete work up and a diagnosis before any physician will prescribe it. Stroke patients depending on their age usually strart showing signs of dementia within years of the stroke.

GSDUCKS the hardest part of this is getting the family to understand that they shouldn't be driving anymore as they are a danger to themselves and others on the road or just on their own street. Usually families avoid have their parents drivers licences taken away because it means they will be transporting them. From what you saying she has no business behind the wheel of a car very dangerous.

Like Cars stated a diagnosis is necessary with some test as well. Her physician can take her licence away also and that take the burden off family members.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 3:53 pm

http://www.forumgarden.com/forums/image ... garden.gif

This is usually the last resort.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 9:35 pm

Helping the elderly is tricky without insulting them.

We made small flash cards - great idea. example

Safeway store - corner of Peoria, turn R. 3 blks on your left.

Beauty Shop - same Plaza as Walgrens - etc. etc.

!st card is emergency contact & home address.

These cards were small (Index cards cut down) and attached to the key rings.

It's a confusing time / and they're easily confused.

Flash cards are for everyone's peace of mind.

Discuss your concerns with the Family member who live in your area - Dementia can progress quickly and only gets worse.

More often than not - family members haven't seen the signs - procrastinating discussing the issue - or denial.

These two really need assistance on a daily level. Perhaps they could afford a retirement community/assisted living facility, another topic to bring up with the family.

Don't be shy - you wouldn't let a BABY play in the middle of the street & walk away.

The elderly get more & more like children - they regress back.

Good luck - I've been thru this - I hope I've helped.

Patsy