9. Mum's Dementia Diagnosis

Mum's formal diagnosis was in September/October 2018. Initially an assessment was conducted at home where she was asked specific questions to gauge her cognitive ability. I remember some of the questions were aimed at assessing her memory, numerical ability, attention and concentration as well as language. Following the assessment an MRI was scheduled for her. This was followed by a referral to the Memory Clinic where we were formally informed that mum had Alzheimers Dementia. I remember that moment so clearly. The consultant gave us the news and then escorted us to the office of the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Advisor. Mum was sent elsewhere for further tests whilst the Dementia Advisor sat with me and chatted. Whilst I had assumed that mum had dementia, I was also numb and probably experiencing a form of shock. My first question was to ask whether mum would recognise me or not. Her response was that it was a possibility but not in the near future as mum was not yet in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's. Once mum was back in the room, we were provided with a file of information both in English and Bengali and assured that the Dementia Advisor would come and visit mum every now and then to see how she was doing. She also advised us on how to prepare for the future from a social, physical, mental and financial perspective.

Mum continued to attend the Memory Clinic for quarterly check-ups and given appropriate medication. Whilst there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are medications that are prescribed that can slow the progression down. She continued to take them right up until she passed away although on several occasions wanted to stop all her medication, stating that nothing was working.

9. Mum's Dementia Diagnosis