Referred to memory clinic

[Orangesandlemons77]

I've had some memory and other tests at the GPs and today they told me they are referring me to the memory clinic for more tests and possibly a neurologist referral, also a head ct scan.

I had a MRI head scan quite recently which was ok but that was specifically to look at certain nerves.

Anyone been through this? I'm 47 and my memory has been bad for years but worse recently. On HRT already, take some meds which might contribute and was thinking they would just say it was probably that.

There's a 30 week wait for the memory clinic anyway but might be able to see a neurologist or ct scan sooner.

No, not on this would the NHS prescribe it I wonder.

@Orangesandlemons77 re T prescription, it’s a lottery as to wether your gp will prescribe, because it’s off licence for women. Some will, so worth an ask, but remember when they are allowed to prescribe it, it’s only for low labido so that’s what you have to say it’s for apparently.

I got the CT results back and the GP says they think it is normal but it says the following, can anyone advise?

Mild global cortical atrophy with no lobar predilection

Widening of the choroid fissures but no focal hippocampus atrophy

Had an update from the memory clinic that they are going to discuss me in their team meeting, would love to hear from anyone else who has been through similar. It's all a bit worrying.

Is this correct as it says online that you can have dementia but still have no signs of it on an MRI scan. This is what happened with my mum. She definitely has some kind of dementua but the MRI was clear. Shes now just had a CT PET scan with dye which we were told would show alzeimers.

Some people will have normal looking scans but still have dementia, conversely a person might have an abnormal scan but not present with cognitive impairment. For that reason a clinical diagnosis of dementia doesnt rely on scan results but instead takes into account the whole history, current presentation, functional changes and cognitive assessment.
CT can be helpful but MRI can often show more.

I should start with the fact that I am not a doctor, and I hope a doctor will come along soon.

It's a bit of a medical mouthful isn't it. For things like that for me I tend to look up each word - but it's impossible to know how to interpret the scan as a whole without being a proper medic I think - as the mild is a positive sign.

So e.g. no lobar predilection I would think means the bit at the beginning isn't focused on a particular lobe, but instead is across the whole brain (global). But without someone who has looks at the scan itself I don't think it will be easy to interpret the meaning of that description.

Yes, I asked the memory clinic if I should have a PET as my insurance would cover it, but they asked they doctor and they said wait until they review my scan etc, they want to avoid repeated radiation too my head.

At least they are discussing me I guess, it is a 20 week wait for the clinic but they have a cancellations list and have put me on that, they get regular cancellations so might be seen quicker.

I have other health problems and due a PIP review to add to the stress. I will let them have the memory clinic referral letter and scan

I wonder about infection, had shingles on the head / face about a year ago and also repeated sepsis over the years after major surgery. But I guess there is no point worrying about that now.

I have a copy of the APOE4 gene and strong family history of dementia. They have been told about this.

Just updating this as I went to a follow up for my PET, CT scans etc today and they think it is Ok, more my other problems (pain, depression) causing the memory problems.

They have looked closely at my scans again and turns out I have a funny shaped skull (cone shaped) which makes the brain appear smaller or something ?! But anyway they said it was all positive.

Ot that good news! At least that should ease some of the worry for you

That's such good news @Orangesandlemons77

Thanks! It has been such a long wait, and it was airy getting the first scans and being referred on for the PET scan etc. It's really been going on since the Spring.

I'm thinking the menopause is causing some of it too, but they didn't really mention that. I guess it is good they checked it out (very) thoroughly but it has all been quite an ordeal.

*scary