My Sister Is Exhibiting Signs of Dementia

I finally got word of what my sister's definitive diagnosis is according to her neurologist. She has vascular dementia, which is what my mother had (we did not have the same mother). From what I understand from my niece's text, the doctor started her on baby aspirin and wants her BP checked twice a day. I don't know if he prescribed anything other than aspirin. She is to see him again in April.

@Devi Thank you so much for your concern and empathy.
@fuzzybuddy @Pecos @StarSong
 
OneEyedDiva said:
I finally got word of what my sister's definitive diagnosis is according to her neurologist. She has vascular dementia, which is what my mother had (we did not have the same mother). From what I understand from my niece's text, the doctor started her on baby aspirin and wants her BP checked twice a day. I don't know if he prescribed anything other than aspirin. She is to see him again in April.

@Devi Thank you so much for your concern and empathy.
@fuzzybuddy @Pecos @StarSong
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My prayer for your family is plenty of patience and love. You will need both.
 
OneEyedDiva said:
I finally got word of what my sister's definitive diagnosis is according to her neurologist. She has vascular dementia, which is what my mother had (we did not have the same mother). From what I understand from my niece's text, the doctor started her on baby aspirin and wants her BP checked twice a day. I don't know if he prescribed anything other than aspirin. She is to see him again in April.

@Devi Thank you so much for your concern and empathy.
@fuzzybuddy @Pecos @StarSong
Click to expand...
MDS,
You and your family have my prayers.
 
OneEyedDiva said:
I finally got word of what my sister's definitive diagnosis is according to her neurologist. She has vascular dementia, which is what my mother had (we did not have the same mother). From what I understand from my niece's text, the doctor started her on baby aspirin and wants her BP checked twice a day. I don't know if he prescribed anything other than aspirin. She is to see him again in April.

@Devi Thank you so much for your concern and empathy.
@fuzzybuddy @Pecos @StarSong
Click to expand...
I'm sorry to hear this Diva, my prayers for her and for you too, to be strong 🙏 🙏 🙏
 
Diva, wishing the best for your sister, sorry to hear the diagnosis. It must be very upsetting for you and everyone in your family. You will be in my thoughts....hugs.
 
so sorry you are dealing with this. My mother is 94 and has dementia. It is all so very very hard to deal with.

Ideally, it would make sense if everyone could get into family counseling together. Of course, that can be very hard to get done. I tried to do it with my mother. She stubbornly refused.

I spoke with an expert on mental health and she said that it is very very common that people become stubborn and don't want to take help. And that it can be, not at all easy to make any inroads.

The only thing I could suggest is to see if you know anyone that she does respect...and see if you could get that person to speak with her.

Oh, say, she respects her minister. Maybe give him a call and see if he will speak with her a bit.

Again, so sorry that you are dealing with this.

Take care...

P.S. Near the end, I was driving with my father. My father goes, "Oh...I almost hit that tree!" I looked at him and said, "Dad...that was NOT a tree!"

Driving while mentally impaired is an EXTREMELY dangerous thing to do.
 
Dementia is a Curse! I have a Sister/Brother-in-law in Denver who started showing signs of "cognitive decline" 5 or 6 years ago. The cousins and the BIL's family all suggested that they seek help, but they refused....they said everyone else were the one's having "trouble". A couple of years ago, they got so bad that their hygiene and dietary routines were failing, and they Finally agreed to be moved to a nice care facility. To this day, no one knows what caused them Both to decline at the same time. House inspections, etc., failed to show any issues like Radon or Asbestos, etc.

Yesterday was Sisters 78th birthday, and I called to wish her Happy Birthday. She didn't remember that she has a brother, or who I am. She could barely speak coherently, or answer a simple "how are you" question. After several minutes of mostly silence, on her part, I had to end the call. She is mentally "gone".
 
Don M. said:
Dementia is a Curse! I have a Sister/Brother-in-law in Denver who started showing signs of "cognitive decline" 5 or 6 years ago. The cousins and the BIL's family all suggested that they seek help, but they refused....they said everyone else were the one's having "trouble". A couple of years ago, they got so bad that their hygiene and dietary routines were failing, and they Finally agreed to be moved to a nice care facility. To this day, no one knows what caused them Both to decline at the same time. House inspections, etc., failed to show any issues like Radon or Asbestos, etc.

Yesterday was Sisters 78th birthday, and I called to wish her Happy Birthday. She didn't remember that she has a brother, or who I am. She could barely speak coherently, or answer a simple "how are you" question. After several minutes of mostly silence, on her part, I had to end the call. She is mentally "gone".
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My sympathies, @Don M. What a heartbreaking situation. :cry:
 
Don M. said:
Dementia is a Curse! I have a Sister/Brother-in-law in Denver who started showing signs of "cognitive decline" 5 or 6 years ago. The cousins and the BIL's family all suggested that they seek help, but they refused....they said everyone else were the one's having "trouble". A couple of years ago, they got so bad that their hygiene and dietary routines were failing, and they Finally agreed to be moved to a nice care facility. To this day, no one knows what caused them Both to decline at the same time. House inspections, etc., failed to show any issues like Radon or Asbestos, etc.

Yesterday was Sisters 78th birthday, and I called to wish her Happy Birthday. She didn't remember that she has a brother, or who I am. She could barely speak coherently, or answer a simple "how are you" question. After several minutes of mostly silence, on her part, I had to end the call. She is mentally "gone".
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This is so sad Don! I'm so sorry you are going through this. I understand how it is..went through it with my mother. May you and your family have the strength to endure what will come.

@JonSR77 My heart goes out to you as well. It's not easy and certainly not for the faint of heart. Thank you for the advice. We're letting her children handle things. My other nieces and I think it's best. She is very close with her children and they'll do right by her.
 

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