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At risk of dementia.

(8 Posts)
Antonia Mon 20-Nov-17 16:03:58

I have just had a diabetes check up with the nurse at my practice. When I consulted my patients notes, there it was: At risk of dementia!' Why would a nurse put this on my notes? She did ask me if I wanted to do a memory test and I said no, and she asked if I had memory problems, to which I also said no. Why would I be at risk of dementia then? It just has me so scared. Every time I put my glasses down and can't find them I'm going to be convinced that dementia is creeping in. Should I do why this was added to my notes? I am worried!

janeainsworth Mon 20-Nov-17 16:22:00

Why don’t you ask her?
Dementia is age-related, and we are all ‘at risk’. It could simply be that.
More to the point, put her on the spot and ask her what you can do to reduce your risk.

Antonia Mon 20-Nov-17 16:32:02

Thank you Jane, I will ask her.

Envious Mon 20-Nov-17 16:34:56

Being a diabetic they says puts you in a risk category.

PamelaJ1 Mon 20-Nov-17 16:37:28

I’ve just googled- does having diabetes make me more likely to get dementia? I can’t find an definitive answer so I would think that there isn’t a link but am now expecting to be found to be wrong!
Do you Have diabetes or were they just doing a check?

Clematisa Mon 20-Nov-17 16:43:40

Even if there is dementia / altzheimer's in the family it doesn't mean anyone is going to get it... so why is it on your notes? I'd be asking for an update and explanation if I were you... I have Dementia and Altzheimers on both my parent's sides but when I said I was worried about it I was told it's not hereditary, and my "forgetfulness!" was just stress related... still do worry about my forgetting things - but now I write everything down!

Antonia Mon 20-Nov-17 17:02:03

I have what is known as pre diabetes, ie sugar levels higher than normal but not high enough to be classed as diabetic. (Although I have just had a blood test, so need to wait a week to see if they have risen at all). I will definitely ask for an explanation, I want to know if it is just because I have higher blood sugar levels and my age, or if I said something that made her think I was at risk. If I said anything then I can't think what it was, but then if I am halfway to dementia, I suppose I wouldn't remember would I?

Luckygirl Mon 20-Nov-17 17:34:10

I think you need an explanation. We all forget where we put our glasses so don't worry about that!

Have you had a brain scan at any point that might make them put this on your notes?

You really must ask, or you will worry about it.