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Q: Dimentia caused by alcohol
asked by: SandiT on March 11th, 2008
New User
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^
replied on March 11th, 2008
Moderator
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..Smile
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antigone
replied on March 11th, 2008
Extremely eHealthy
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
replied on March 12th, 2008
New User
Dimentia caused by alcohol?
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^
replied on March 12th, 2008
Moderator
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..Smile
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antigone
replied on March 12th, 2008
Extremely eHealthy
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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