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taking dad to Dr what questions?
My dad was diagnosed couple months ago. I'm going with him to Dr this time. What questions should I ask what kind of medicine should they have him on. Just any and all help and information would be appreciated. Thanks. Oh Dr appt is Wednesday.
Thanks so much all information. Dr sending dad to memory clinic. Also Dr enrolled me in a information clinic class to learn all I can. Hopefully I can find out what type of dementia and stages. What I've read sounds alot like lewy bodies but will find out more 7th. Again thank you. God bless you.
Alzheimers is one form of dementia actually. Dementia is the overall condition, and there are other caused like Lewy-Bodies, then there are forms caused by say, other conditions like having clogged carotids that are cutting off blood flow to the brain so the brain is not getting enough O2, and lungs not getting enough O2 so again the brain is not getting enough so the person can recover some on oxygen... also vitamin and hormone issues can be a problem.
It helps to stay to a rigid schedule with everything - food, sleep, meds, bathing, exercise (tough around the holidays!) as that helps keep them on a more even keel.
As the stages progress, and if he sundowns, it may get more difficult. Dementia starts to effect the entire body not just the mind, so he will gradually become less able to take care of himself until he become bedridden and need 24 hour care. You have read up on it?
It helps to stay to a rigid schedule with everything - food, sleep, meds, bathing, exercise (tough around the holidays!) as that helps keep them on a more even keel.
As the stages progress, and if he sundowns, it may get more difficult. Dementia starts to effect the entire body not just the mind, so he will gradually become less able to take care of himself until he become bedridden and need 24 hour care. You have read up on it?
Yes my mom and me r advocates. He lives with us. I've been monitoring his health care for about 3 yrs. Mom gets mixed up. So there's different types of alzheimers? Thanks for all your help I deeply appreciate it.
Are you his health advocate?
You should know his diagnosis (all of them) and all the medications (including OTC), dosages and when and why. It helps to have a spreadsheet. You should know this from all doctors, if he sees multiple doctors (like a urologist or neurologist). In my own case, I have a complex set of medications, so I take my list to the doctor and pharmacist and let them see it so if something is added, I figure out how it is added so it will not interfere with anything else. For instance, calcium will interfere with Thyroid, and what needs to be fasting, not fasting etc.
As for a medication for dementia, it depends on the form. Not all types respond to meds, and your father may have other conditions that contraindicate medication. It may also depend on the stage. They also have side effects. Is he living in a home or at home?
You can ask if a medication will help - but also ask about the side effects, and the risk/reward scenario (some cost a lot and may not do much).
Good luck!
You should know his diagnosis (all of them) and all the medications (including OTC), dosages and when and why. It helps to have a spreadsheet. You should know this from all doctors, if he sees multiple doctors (like a urologist or neurologist). In my own case, I have a complex set of medications, so I take my list to the doctor and pharmacist and let them see it so if something is added, I figure out how it is added so it will not interfere with anything else. For instance, calcium will interfere with Thyroid, and what needs to be fasting, not fasting etc.
As for a medication for dementia, it depends on the form. Not all types respond to meds, and your father may have other conditions that contraindicate medication. It may also depend on the stage. They also have side effects. Is he living in a home or at home?
You can ask if a medication will help - but also ask about the side effects, and the risk/reward scenario (some cost a lot and may not do much).
Good luck!
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