Alzheimers/Dementia

[slapmeonthepatio]

I'm wondering if anyone out there has any advice.

A female relative (in her late 70s) has always prided herself on her good memory and organisational skills, has been having memory problems for the last couple of years.

She was concerned that it was becoming a problem and sought medical advice. The memory nurse visited and I believe said that there was some deterioration.

I know she has seen her GP recently about it again, and was told, from the results of the tests that were done, that 'her memory is fine'. Plainly, this isn't the case as she couldn't recall, when asked, a visit to hospital on the previous day.

She seems to have less problem recalling events from the past (though her dates seem to be out sometimes), but her short term memory is non-existant.

Has anyone been through this, or can anyone medically trained offer some advice as to what we should do next to get her the help that she needs?

Thanks in advance.

Might be best if she could have a brain scan....which will give a clearer picture of what is going on.

She should insist on a second opinion and further tests.

My mother's memory was obviously deteriorating some years ago; I took her to the g.p. having rung ahead and explained that I didn't wish to discuss her mental state with the g.p. in front of her. The g.p. was great; he chatted with her, then asked loads of questions, e.g. the date the 2nd world war started and ended, her birth date, who is president of the USA, etc. She answered everything perfectly and I was starting to despair, thinking he'd think I was imagining it. Then he asked her to count back from 20, she did ok til she got to 8. After that he referred her to a specialist and she was diagnosed very quickly. Could you advocate for her, speak to the g.p. and explain, give examples of occasions she couldn't recall? I would definitely seek a second opinion, get a referral to someone who specialises in memory problems in the older generation. Good luck.

Thank you for your replies.

It's tricky to know what you can do. And when healthcare professionals say there's nothing wrong (when there obviously is), it's frustrating - well, more that frustrating. You don't know who to turn to.

B12 and Zinc deficiency may also cause symptoms of dementia. Poor ingestion and absorption in the elderly is common. It might be worth while having her get her B12 and Zinc levels tested to rule out deficiency of these nutrients. If she is borderline or deficient have her supplement with both and see if there is an improvement.
If she is deficient and worried about her memory and perhaps nutritional status a visit to a nutritional therapist would be a good idea.

Alzheimer's sufferers tend to have confusion too. Like difficulty following a recipe, or working out how to calculate something. It is not just short term memory loss, although this is also a major symptom. Repeating things is another one. There are several different forms of dementia, so don't assume she has Alzheimer's. Have you tried contacting any of the charities, such as the Alzheimer's society? They may be able to help advocate for you.

Sorry you are going through this op my dgm is a sufferer although dgf is in denial she has been diagnosed with both Alzheimer's and a form of dementia, I don't know where you live but the Alzheimer's helpline is a great resource and they are so helpful and supportive for relatives too, they may be able to advise you or her what to do next.

Well - we're not really assuming anything, after all none of us is qualified to make a diagnosis and none of us has much experience of it, but we had rather thought that someone who is qualified might actually seem bothered, rather than dismissive and unconcerned, happily telling her that her memory is fine. She knows it isn't and it has distressed her.

Her mother had Alzheimers though. Don't know if that has a bearing on her diagnosis.

I will see if the Alzheimers helpline can answer any questions - thank you.

There is a specific test for dementia, quite simple, but it is usually done following a referral from a GP. It involves for instance asking the patient to memorise 3 objects in the room, eg pen, table, book. Then they are asked questions like their date of birth, address, the month or season etc and then to recall the three objects. They usually cannot remember the three objects, or even the month or season

My dad was diagnosed with dementia after this simple test. If your relative is really worried they should ask for the test. In my dad's case the brain scan wasn't till later on, when it was obvious what he had!
I think you should ask to see a more sympathetic doctor

Blimey - I think, on some days, I might even have a job with that test! Are you aware if it has a particular name?

I think you're right about the doctor, though.