Case 1 – Alison
Alison’s diagnosis followed a series of falls after which she was referred to a falls clinic and had an MRI scan. However, her husband realised that she had been displaying symptoms for some time. He’d simply failed to recognise them.
Alison’s symptoms began to emerge during outdoor activities, which she’d previously enjoyed. She suddenly found that she could no longer ride a bicycle. Soon afterwards, she began to experience difficulty in walking on uneven terrain: on an organised walk, she found she was no longer able to cope with a loose surface. She soon couldn’t walk on anything other than smooth, firm surfaces.
An evening meal out was suddenly confusing and difficult and Alison sat in silence, not eating, talking or drinking. This caused understandable concern for her husband.
Within the family home, Alison began to have problems with the phone, being unable to manage the buttons. Similarly, the cooker was no longer something she could cope with and making a hot drink also became a problem as she struggled with judging the amounts of tea, milk and water to use.
Case 2 – Judith
Judith’s family first noticed the first signs of Dementia on a drive. She was driving and darkness began to fall. Her husband reminded her to put on her lights, but she couldn’t locate the switch. When her husband suggested she pull over to the side of the road, her response was very slow.
Case 3 – Robert
Robert’s wife began to notice signs of dementia when he began to become more reserved and withdrawn. A previously sociable person, Robert began to avoid social situations. His driving also began to exhibit signs as he started to make wrong turns on familiar journeys on a regular basis. On a family holiday he was very argumentative and began to forget recent conversations he’d had with family members.
Case 4 – Jamila
Jamila’s husband first began to notice signs of dementia whilst she was still working. Jamila began to forget conversations they had had. She also began to repeat questions and, at work, she opted for a less responsible job. At work, she began to forget to attend pre-arranged meetings and tasks she had been asked to carry out.
At home, as the condition progressed, Jamila lost the ability to carry out household tasks that required several steps: so cooking, cleaning clothes and making hot drinks became impossible.
Why It’s Important To Seek A Diagnosis
Although there is no cure for dementia, medications can help relieve the symptoms during the early stages. Getting an early diagnosis is therefore very important. Initial symptoms of dementia often include memory issues, repetitiveness during conversations and some confusion and disorientation. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of dementia, please visit your GP as soon as possible.
Bluebird Care Calderdale
We provide Home Care, Night Care, Live-in Care and a range of other support in the Calderdale area, including Halifax, Sowerby Bridge, Brighouse, Elland, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.
