Dimentia caused by alcohol Posted: 03-11-08 08:41am
Hi, was very pleased to see that a forum
like this is available as I would
appreciate the support. My 22 yeard old
son and myself are going to be moving in
with my 74year old father on Thurday after
22 years of living on our own so that we
are able to care for him. He is not
cooking for himself or cleaning and
drinks every day. He also refuses to
move.He normally calls me about 10 times a
day and if I do not come to see him every
2nd day,he moans and carries on for days
about it.
My father has always been slightly
paranoid but in the last few years has
become anit-social and believes that most
people are talking behind his back calling
him a thief. When he drinks it seems to
get worse and he has terrible mood swings.
He has diabetes brought on in later life
but still refuses to stop drinking. It is
for this reason that he has asked that my
son and I do not have any friends visiting
as he only trusts our immediate family.
The problem is that he tries to isolate us
from others.
Is this a form of dimentia or just
manipulation?
I am caught in-between wanting to care
for my father and also having some form of
life myself, If any one alse is in similar
situation I would love to hear from them
Txs Sandi
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^Serenity^
Moderator
Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1189 Location: ,
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Thanked:108
Posted: 03-11-08 10:07am
Hi Sandi
Have you discussed your concerns with his
doctor?
Alcoholism is a disease and unfortunately
it can put a lot strain on a family.
It's very possible the alcohol is adding
to his paranoia.
I understand when an elderly loved one
puts demands on us. Many of on the site
have been discussing the toll it takes on
us mentally and physically.
Try talking to his doctor, ask him about
the alcohol, has his doctor seen a change
in him since the last time he went for a
check up?
Is he being treated for his diabetes? If
he's unwilling to go to the doctor you can
use the diabetes as an excuse to get him
to see the doctor, but first give the
doctor a heads up on what is going on with
your dad. I know there are laws (HIPPA)
but this is you voicing your concerns to
his doctor, by looking out for him.
If it is dementia then it will need to be
addressed. They may need to a CT Scan or
MRI to check the brain for any changes.
Dementia runs in my family on both sides.
Aging stinks, I've been watching my
grandmother decline and now I see changes
in my mom, it's a tough process to deal
with.
Your not alone we are all here for you.
Hang in there..
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antigone
Supporter
Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 852 Location: IL
Thanks: 40
Thanked:15
Posted: 03-11-08 23:04pm
There is a disorder that is known as
organic brain syndrome that is caused by
excessive drinking. It can cause
psychosis, paranoia, and social anxieties.
Google it and read about it.
Will your father go to a psychiatrist?
There are medications that can be given to
treat the symptoms of OBS. Your father
may, also, have small vessel disease which
is the result of untreated diabetes. This
causes tiny vessels in the brain to be
destroyed which leads to dementia. A
neurologist could do a work up for this.
He really needs to see a doctor. Hope this
gives you a jumping point to finding him
some medical attention.
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SandiT
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Posts: 2
Dimentia caused by alcohol? Posted: 03-12-08 02:20am
Many thanks to Butterfly6169 &
Antigone for your information and support.
I will take your advice and talk to his
doctor. Very sorry to hear about your
grandmother and your mom. Cannot be easy
for you. I am there for you too.
Unfortunately my father's doctor of many
years has retired and he has a new doctor
he has only seen once but then again a new
perspective might be good. He is being
treated for his diabetes ,he does take his
tablets and checks his sugar level daily.
He is not adverse to seeing a doctor but
will object violenty to the brain scans as
he feels he is fine and it is the world at
large which is against him. But I will
show these replies to my brother and his
wife and enlist their help.
The information about the organic brain
syndrome is very interesting and I will
look it up and mention it to his doctor.
My father will not see a psychiatrist but
will speak to his doctor about the
medication for OBS. Txs again both of you!
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^Serenity^
Moderator
Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1189 Location: ,
Thanks: 104
Thanked:108
Posted: 03-12-08 06:52am
Keep us posted Sandi.
I wish the best for you this is not an
easy task to deal with.
Sometimes a new approach, new doctor is a
good thing. I strongly believe in second
even third opinions, as many as it takes
to get an answer.
Best of luck..
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antigone
Supporter
Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 852 Location: IL
Thanks: 40
Thanked:15
Posted: 03-12-08 08:08am
Sandi,
I hope your dad's doctor can offer you
some solutions. Taking care of aging
parents can be a difficult job. I take
care of my parents but they do not live
with me yet. That day may arrive soon. Be
sure you take some time for you. You may
want to talk to a counselor about how to
set limits with your dad so you may have
as normal a routine in life as possible.
Aging parents can get demanding and
controlling, as you are well aware. Trying
to set limits can be tenuous and lead to
hard feeling if the parent does not like
the limitations.
All the best. Please let us know how you
are and how your dad does with the doctor.
This is a good place to vent and cry on
cyber shoulders. You can PM me if you
like, anytime.
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