Hi my brother, aged 59, has been diagnosed with 'Alcohol related dementia'. How is this different to dementia (generally) ?

[dontletthesungodownonme]

Is there different 'types'/'levels' of dementia ? Also, he's been told he's fit enough to do voluntary work but not 'paid' work. Why ?

[babsmary]

Hi.........I am only just looking into dementia more, and have been told there are over 200 different types..................the usual one being due to old age...............but also I know someone who has alcohol related dementia................

My husband has Vascular dementia, and is 75 years old.

Is your brother still allowed to drive?

I can only guess that employers dont see diagnosed dementia as good for employment, probably for reliability......(i.e. not turning up on a bad day).......where as voluntary work, is more relaxed, but also stimulating for your brother.....(makes him have a purpose for getting up in the morning)

These are only my opinions, so dont quote me.............

best of luck for your brother... ( and you, if you are his carer)

[dontletthesungodownonme in reply to babsmary]

Hi

Thank you for your response. It seems so long winded to even get a diffinitive diagnosis, the whole process is so frustrating. No, he's not allowed to drive, apparently (even though he's probably more adept than some folk on the road).

I agree partly that it would be stimulating for him to have a structure and purpose for getting up in the morning but he's lost his house, job and savings so far and being able to work (even stacking shelves) would give him his independence and money he needs to live on. On the other hand, agree that from an employers point of view, may not not turn up if he 'forgot'. I think its more to do with insurance to be honest and maybe thats the reason

I'm not his main carer but even as his sister, not even his next of kin so have to accept what decisions his main carer chooses for him.

Thanks for your feedback and bestwishes to you too. We must all stay positive and strong.