Will my aunt’s dementia halt her driving? - DR ROSEMARY answers your health questions
GETTY - STOCK Driving allows older people to get on with their lives without being reliant on others
A: By law, anyone who has been diagnosed with dementia must tell the DVLA about their condition. The DVLA will then ask for a medical report from either their consultant or GP and based on this will decide if the person can continue to drive. They may ask the person to have a driving test to check they are safe and if a licence is issued, it will be for a year, when their condition will be reassessed.
Doctors are aware that being able to drive gives older people vital independence and make sure licences are not withheld unnecessarily. One in three people with dementia are still able to drive. Check that your aunt has told the DVLA and her insurers about her dementia.
If she hasn’t she could be fined £1,000 and also her insurance could be invalid. If you have been out with her behind the wheel and feel she is dangerous then talk to her first about it. If she doesn’t want to listen and insists on carrying on driving then speak to her GP. The Alzheimer’s Society has a very good fact sheet about driving and dementia. Visit alzheimers.org.uk or call 0300 222 1122 for more details.
GETTY - STOCK Vaginal mesh implants are used to treat incontinence and pelvic discomfort
Q: Two years ago I had a vaginal mesh implant fitted to cure an incontinence problem after the birth of my children. I have had intermittent pain since, although I am still able to work and carry out normal everyday tasks. I read that some women are now planning to take legal action against manufacturers of the mesh, arguing that it is not fit for purpose. I am now very worried. Should I have it removed? Can this be done on the NHS? A: Vaginal mesh implants are used to treat incontinence and pelvic discomfort caused by weakening of the vaginal walls. Between 2011 and 2016 more than 11,000 women in England were fitted with them and the treatment was a success for many. However in some women the mesh appears to have shrunk or started protruding through the vaginal wall, causing pain and an inability to have sex. Data from the Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the medicines watchdog, has shown that more than 1,000 adverse incidents associated with mesh implants have been reported and more than 800 women are apparently suing the NHS and implant manufacturers. If you are having problems that might be related to your mesh then see your GP and ask for a referral to a gynaecologist. If you require corrective surgery it should be done on the NHS.
GETTY - STOCK With age, the blood supply to the skin tends to reduce due to narrowed arteries
Q: My elderly mother has had an open wound on her stomach since she left hospital early last year. A community nurse comes to change the dressing twice a week but it is showing no signs of healing. Is there anything that can be done about this? A: Unfortunately with age, the blood supply to the skin tends to reduce due to narrowed arteries and this can lead to very slow wound healing. Even a small scratch can take weeks to heal for someone in their 80s compared to around five days in a younger person. Deep open wounds in older people sometimes never heal properly. It is important that any open wounds are covered with the appropriate dressing and checked regularly for signs of infection. It sounds as if your mother is receiving very good care from the district nurses. Special “tissue viability” nurses and clinics are available in some areas to give advice on persistent wounds and ulcers so it may be worth asking a district nurse if they feel this would be helpful for your mother. If so, either the nurse or your mother’s GP can arrange a referral.
GETTY - STOCK Deep open wounds in older people sometimes never heal properly