Vascular Dementia

[Katster]

I was wondering if anyone here had any experiences of vascular dementia?

My grandma was diagnosed with the condition last year and has gradually deteriorated over the last few months. I don't really have much understanding of the condition and it confuses me that my grandma is pretty much asleep the whole time now.

I went to visit her yesterday and up until then I hadn't seen her eyes opened since January

She recognised me and said hello and said she was ok but then she went back to mumbling in her sleep and I was unable to get her to open her eyes again.

The best way to describe it is like when someone is drunk and they respond to your questions but sometimes they give you silly answers and you ask them to open their eyes and they say they are doing but then don't. She also repeats what other people in hospital are saying around her.

We are waiting to get her into a nursing home but with differences in prices of around £400 per week we are struggling to make the decision!!

[worm]

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=161

[Katster]

Thanks.

I have read general information stuff like that but nothing ever sounds like my grandma. I know it says it varies from person to person but just wondered if anyone here had had relatives or friends suffer from it.

I get the whole 'step' thing though, she was ok in a care home for months and then suddenly she fell out of bed and hasn't really woken up properly since.

[treacle]

Both myself and fairiesinboots work in specialist dementia services. I'm sure either of us could send you loads of info or you can message me on faceache if you got specific questions. Not sure if you got my phone number if you'd rather talk?

[Katster]

Both myself and fairiesinboots work in specialist dementia services. I'm sure either of us could send you loads of info or you can message me on faceache if you got specific questions. Not sure if you got my phone number if you'd rather talk?

[Katster]

I never got round to messaging you but it matters not as we have now been told it is a matter of days until she passes

I wasn't aware that the 'swallowing' function is affected and therefore she has been struggling to eat.

They can't even manage to get water down her now.

I am going to say my goodbye this evening.

[fairyinboots]

Sorry to read about this. I do work in specialist dementia care as Treacle says, and was about to offer help.

Thoughts are with you.

[Katster]

She knew I was there but couldn't speak but at least she saw me and I think I even saw her smile.

She fell asleep after the nurses came in to turn her so I left not long after. I am going to see my friend and her new baby tomorrow but will go back and see my granny on Friday if she is still with us.

Bit of an emotional time for me at the moment with everything that's going on so I am thankful for kind words here. At least I came to terms with accepting the illness would progress as and when and this sudden news hasn't come as too much of a shock. Still hurts to be losing my last grandparent though :-(

[greenfairy43]

Oh Kat, how sad. I hope she passes away peacefully.

It's lovely that you have a new baby around, life's rich tapestry goes on......

*Hugs*

[Katster]

Oh Kat, how sad. I hope she passes away peacefully.

It's lovely that you have a new baby around, life's rich tapestry goes on......

*Hugs*

[Rufus Gwertigan]

Bugger

[feral chile]

(((hugs)))

Take care of yourself. It's easy to neglect yourself when your mind's so full of someone else, but you need support too.

[bunique]

Sympathies Kat - my grandad has dementia too and is in nursing care - we visited him twice the weekend before last but he didn't remember us being there the first time. He did at least get to meet his great-granddaughter but it's hard knowing he won't remember her and vice versa. I hope your grandma is as comfortable and well looked after as possible.

[Katster]

Cheers again. I suppose I must be thankful that in these last remaining months of my grandmas whenever I have seen her awake she has recognised me and said hello and has smiled and appeared glad to see me. She always told me what nice teeth I have lol. She is still going bless her, my brother came up from Stoke last night but she was fast asleep the whole time. I couldn't go as I was really poorly yesterday, probably the stress of everything.

I will try to see her again but I'm not sure she will know about it now even if I do :-(

[feral chile]

Cheers again. I suppose I must be thankful that in these last remaining months of my grandmas whenever I have seen her awake she has recognised me and said hello and has smiled and appeared glad to see me. She always told me what nice teeth I have lol. She is still going bless her, my brother came up from Stoke last night but she was fast asleep the whole time. I couldn't go as I was really poorly yesterday, probably the stress of everything.

I will try to see her again but I'm not sure she will know about it now even if I do :-(

[Katster]

I didn't get to see her again. She passed away in her sleep last night. The nursing home staff said she went peacefully.

Not nice for my dad being mothers day today. Three years ago to the day she suffered her first stroke.

I am going to my mum and dads now :-(

Thank you again everyone and feral I am feeling a lot better now so think it was just a twenty four hour bug thing. I am ok really, just a bit sad.

[Rufus Gwertigan]

Bugger

I wish I was in a position to give you a big hug. My thoughts are with you and your family today.

Dave x

[greenfairy43]

RIP Kat's Nan.

She can sleep without being disturbed now. Hugs to you & yours Kat x

[greenfairy43]

x

Edited April 3, 2011 by greenfairy43

[Katster]

Thanks guys :-(