Thread: Alzheimers

Hello and many thanks for the replies I have had in previous posts.

What would happen if my mum was in the early stages of Alzheimers and we were living in Spain?

In the UK medication is prescribed, depending on where you live, and would be available to my mum at her current UK address.

Would she be able to get repeat perscriptions etc?

Cheers
Jax x

Sorry bit confused, has your mum been diagnosed as early stage ? and is she already taking medication for it ?

I do not understand this bit either ... 'In the UK medication is prescribed, depending on where you live' mind you I have not lived there for years so have no idea how it works anymore.

Hi Val

she has not had a diagnosis yet, but is awaiting blood results.

Its a post-code lottery as some Trusts will only prescribe medication for patients in an advanced stage, others will prescribe it very early on.

Jax x

Ah right get you now sorry. Sorry to hear your mum may be suffering from it. I have no idea about the system here. Maybe some of the other members can be of help to you.

As far as I know Spain is a lot more generous with meds. than the Uk-and there is no post code lottery-just doctors preferences.If she is already medicated suitably then I suspect a spanish doctor would re-prescribe but Incan't imagine there is any guarantee oif this.I have a friend whose mother has Alzheimers and is here with her.There are no specialized resources for these clients near her-and she has to pay for carers to come in for her to get some respite.In Spain these clients are supported within the family group-hence very few services for them in the community are available. It is hard going for her despite all the support her friends give her.

Having worked with Alzheimer patients in the past, if she is diagnosis is positive, I wouldnt advice taking her to live away from the world and life she's been used to. Its a confusing time for them and they need the reassurance of familiar things, friends etc.

That said, have a chat with her GP, he might not agree with me!

Jo xxx

Thanks for that Zilly.

fortunately my Mum is fine at the moment, just struggles with her words, but its very insightful to hear how your friend copes etc.

Do I assume she can get any regular medication in Spain free of charge?

jax x

As far as I know meds. are free to pensioners here.My friends mother coped well with the move to Spain initially-only now she needs support.The financial implications are quite big though-and people with skills at supporting Alzheimers clients are pretty few and far between.Some of the "carers" are doing no more than a sitting service.There is a new unit down on the coast I believe that is purpose built for clients with advanced conditions-but Spanish of course.

Hi Jo

My dad died last month and mum was looking after him for a year. It was assumed that her difficulty with words was due to the stress of looking after the grumpy old bugger, lol, and has just had a blood test to see if alzheimers is lurking, so to speak.

She is really up for the move, as it will give her a new lease of life, and ofcourse she will be living with us so it will ease the lonliness she so obviously feels.

Really appreciate your post, thanks x