Patient experiences: living with dementia

Dr Mareeni Raymond talks to this couple about their own personal experiences of living with dementia.

[BloodNote]

He seems so sweet. My grandmother had Dementia and it was the most horrible experience of my life. She was violent, didn't sleep and was just an all around horrible person. I had to take care of her by myself for years. Because my family wasn't listening when I said something was wrong with her. She passed away 6 years ago. But dealing with her illness has left ME mentally unstable, depressed etc. Though I am better now compared to a few years ago. It leaves a life long impression. I wouldn't wish this illness on my worst enemy.

[catherinebosley]

I so understand the loneliness, my Husband has gone, but his body is here.Nastyness and aggression is creeping in and that is so difficult to cope with.This lady is absolutely right, no regular assessments and terrible lack of information and help.

[marygooge]

My husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers in 3/21. Thank you for sharing.

[rainbowtree]

What a lovely man. He is still singing and so cheerful. A really sweet couple. Wishing you peace in the future. X

[lizzysmith]

Your doing an amazing job, don't give up

[CheriDawn]

I feel so bad for this couple. They’re doing the best they can. Please don’t say mean things about this woman. It’s very difficult to be a caregiver. She’s doing the best she can.

[lindamcclellan]

I agree with you...about the patient being seen more often....we caregivers need that information..problem most medical people don't know either...that's the worst

[immyferistakibuuka]

I had to listen to the song again, such a sweet voice❤❤❤❤

[whatshisname]

i know it's difficult to interview couples separately but should they be talking about him in front of him like that?🤔

[lindaarmstrongjackman]

I am sure she lives him so much to take card of him for 57 years. The frustration of hearing the same stories and answering the same questions over and over must wear her down. Hopefully they can get more support.

[joycedwyer]

Such a sweet man. So sorry you are going through this.

[wangware]

I'm taking care of a dimentia patient (parent) and it's not easy.

[okomojelepo]

You two are really wonderfull.That is the cure!!

[helensmith]

The NHS, is shockingly bad at helping patients and their families with Dementa. My husband was diagnosed with Young-onset Dementia, in December last year. We had waited 14 months to see a neurologist, we originally were told in October 2022, that his scans were normal, then they sent him for a Pet-scan and we were told that he had late stage dementia, get his affairs in order as there was no treatment available, and have a lovely Christmas. We are now in the United States, where he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, in the 3 weeks we have been here, he has seen a Doctor, Psychologist, numberous blood tests, X-rays, brain scans and a 3 hour neurologist appointment scheduled.

[karenperrealt]

Nobody is there to help you as a caregiver, you are on your own

[berjaboy]

Not for nothing, but the wife is sitting right next to him and talking about him like he's not even there. He seems mentally fit enough where he's probably finding this quite offensive. Let the man talk for himself for Christ sakes. It almost seems like she's passive aggressively beating him down.

[berjaboy]

What a sweet lovely man. So sorry you were saddled with such a condescending, eye rolling, passive aggressive excuse for a wife. A wife who talks over you like you weren't even there and who cuts you off continually while making snide faces. You deserve better.