Memory test 82 out of 100

[DespairCalling]

My husband got that score in his memory test recently. Is that anything to worry about. He is only 61 but his father died of vascular dementia before he was 70. I’m really scared.

Without knowing specifically what test it was, it's hard to say. I assume you're talking about a medically administered test? If so, they should explain the results - go back to them if they haven't.

From the fact it's out of 100 I think it's likely to be the Addenbrooke's cognitive examination-III. If so 82 is hovering around the 'inconclusive' band - but that really is only a general guide. The numerical score can be affected by various personal factors, and in many ways the absolute number is less informative than the change over repeated tests. So you really do need to talk to the clinic.

It depends on what his baseline would be e.g a highly intellectual individual would probably be anticipated to score higher than that. 82 is about the cut off between 'normal' and mild cognitive impairment but overall functioning has to be taken into account as well. The score is usually interpreted with a host of other things like a CT scan of the brain and how someone is managing in their day to day life and if there is a change over time. If they are struggling to do tasks they used to do with ease then I would be more suspicious of someone developing a dementia. If there is a risk of cardiovascular disease then managing risk factors like cholesterol, blood pressure, alcohol intake would be hopefully reduce the risk of further damage.

Thanks very much for your replies. He has had an MRI scan now so we are waiting on the results of that.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. 61 is so very young.

Is he still working @DespairCalling?

Thanks @PolaroidPrincess
Yes, he is still working but will retire straight away if the MRI confirms a problem as he wants to make the most of his time left.
We are in a state of shock and denial at the moment so just waiting on the MRI results to see what we are dealing with.

I am sorry that you are experiencing this. I am a medic that worked in this area and from the brief description you have given with your husband working and his ACE-III I am thinking it would be more in line with an MCI type picture but it is essentially on the basis of the psychiatrist and their opinion. They may ask for a neuropsychological assessment with psychology for further cognitive testing or an occupational therapy assessment to see your husbands functioning if they are unsure. There are other scans that can be performed if they suspect Alzheimer’s or other rarer forms of memory impairment.

Such good advice from Green.

I think retiring immediately might be a good idea as there are lots of things you can still do. DMIL still went on walks, her art class and line dancing for quite a while after diagnosis.

I'd also suggest looking at the Elderly Parents Section on MN. I know this is your DH but there is usually some very good advice to be found in there in looking after loved ones with reduced cognition

Hi OP, I am in a similar boat to your DH, 47 though, similar score and showed mild atrophy in my CT scan 'out of proportion for her age' They have now done a PET scan, which we got privately because the wait times with the NHS would have been longer and could have it in a matter of weeks.

I'm scared, they also say it could be due to e.g. depression / meds or chronic pain impacting on things (I had shingles on my head and on pain meds for that) so it is inconclusive.

I've been waiting about a month for the memory clinic doctors to discuss it at their neuroradiological (as they called it) meeting to see what the results are..

So far the have put, diagnosis: memory symptoms- under investigation. Is your DG anxious, as they said anxiety could impact on the score results.

I have a family history of dementia and copy of the APOE4 gene. So it is all a bit worrying.

Despite this, family just say 'you're fine' so I am kind of dealing with it all alone. I don't work, anyway, get PIP for my other health problems, so for now it is sort of another thing to add to it all. My best wishes to your DH, maybe they will do some more scans to help advise

MY PET scan was, I think OK "did not show convincing evidence of a neurodegenerative disease' however showed mild changes in the 'sulcal depth' - I have just got this from the radiology dept and have not discussed it with anyone yet. The waiting game is hard, I am hoping they might contact me this week about it, as it was meant to be before the end of September.

Our memory clinic is a national centre of research, it is highly rated but they are overwhelmed, I think as it says around a year for a first appt on their website. They saw me a bit quicker, maybe as younger.

I am kind of coping OK, was putting the problems down to the menopause but am on HRT and they have remained. Trying not to google too much and focus on things I can do tom try and help, such as have started a med for blood pressure, losing weight, etc trying to exercise.

PS apologies for typos, my concentration is not that great.