Changing to NDT from Levothyroxine in the Elderly

[Dramlouie]

My Mum who is 91 years young, newly diagnosed with vascular dementia but still very much active and well has been on 100mcg levothyroxine for over 20 years. Her lab results for June 2015 are free T4 24.2 (12-22), free T3 3.8 (3.1-6.8) and TSH 0.08 (0.3-4.2). She didn't have ferritin tested and her B12, folate, D3 are above the top of the range. I am wondering if there is anything that would improve her short term memory. Mum is quite fit and can walk a mile unaided and more if there is a pub involved! I give her lots of supplements and she is on no drugs, bp kept in check with natural supplements and sleeping on a grounding mat. Any ideas would be appreciated x

[Clutter]

Dramlouie, I'd hesitate to change your mother's thyroid meds as she's well on 100mcg Levothyroxine. Good levels of B12 and vitD help protect against dementia but I don't know of supplements likely to improve short term memory now your mother is diagnosed with vascular dementia. Dementia sites may be able to hacks to cope and manage the diagnosis to perhaps slow progression.

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I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Dramlouie in reply to Clutter]

Mum had been well but I went round this afternoon and she hadnt had her supplements for 2 days, they were all messed up, and she hadn't eaten either. She kept repeating herself and was really confused. I gave her a healthy salmon and veg meal, her supplements, some superfood smoothie, we went for a walk and by the time I left she was back to her old self, no more repeats, clear thinking and happy again. These supplements, vits, mins do make a big difference. And each time she doesn't take them the same thing happens, so they do work but need to be taken regularly. I just give her all the latest researched supplements.

[Clutter in reply to Dramlouie]

Dramlouie, could social services arrange a care worker to ensure your mother has a meal and takes her supplements and meds?

Joan Bakewell says she has to leave plates and dishes in the sink and washes them next morning otherwise she can't remember whether or not she's eaten.

_______________________________________________________________________

I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.

[Dramlouie in reply to Clutter]

That is a good idea, its like Mum, she can't tell whether she is hungry or eaten already. Thanks will look into it x

[Hidden]

Sounds like my mam - had ?vascular dementia, but walked and fit and perfectly sane, indeed often wise, and always humorous and kind, in the very short moment she was forced to live in when her memory failed. I always wondered if the diagnosis was right, or if there was more to it.

You have done v v well on the nutrients. Does she have any gut problems? Mine had diarrhoea from the age of 50 and I think her dementia was a continuum of that, and probably B12 related, but you have dealt with that possibility. Gluten??

You are doing fabulously well. How lucky you are to have each other.

[Dramlouie in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. My Mum has taken supplements for decades and taught me the importance of vitamins and minerals and homeopathy and not to rely on drugs. My Mum always had a cure for everything, the bathroom cupboard was full of bottles. My Dad didn't believe in it and sadly died surrounded by boxes of drugs and high dose statins which completely depleted him of CoQ10 and cholesterol. He went from a very fit 81 year old to a skeleton in a year. I vowed that my Mum wouldn't have any drugs and so she doesn't. I give my Mum a very good pre and probiotic with enzymes and try and keep her off gluten, grains and sugar. The list of supplements is very long and costs me a fortune but less than if she was in a care home. Sounds like my Mum, this afternoon I popped round and she hadn't taken her supplements today or yesterday and I found her repeating over and over again. I gave her a salmon lunch, some superfood smoothie, coconut oil, took her for a walk and by the time we got back she was normal again. I can't let her down and I don't want any regrets when she goes for her world cruise!! We joke about it and it puts a happier feel onto the inevitable. That is why she is 91! x