Alz ?

Potsie

DH was diagnosed in March 2017 with EOAD. Our new Family Physician made this diagnosis off an MRI and notes from past visits to our retired Family Physician and psych evaluations.  Our previous family physician said it was "normal signs of aging." Our new physician said, "this is not normal signs of aging." Our world instantly changed. We where all broken.  I took DH to a neurologist and she said, "he has Alzheimer's Dementia, what else could it be?" Well I certainly don't know. DH could still draw a clock but he couldn't identify pictures of things. He had a hard time understanding things that were said to him. He couldn't remember names for people places or things. Some people, nursing staff and others think it looks more like FTD. I know it really won't make much difference but I would like to know. Is there a way to make a more accurate diagnosis while he is alive?

Potsie

Plus now he is non verbal and has been for a year other than him saying my name? I don't understand this at all.

Arrowhead

The correct diagnosis of Alzheimer can only be given after certain tests are administered. "he has Alzheimer's Dementia, what else could it be?" is a guess, not a diagnosis. If possible, find another neurologist.

ButterflyWings

https://www.theaftd.org/for-health-professionals/diagnosing-ftd/

and, I am not a medical doctor, so this next article was easier for me to understand:

What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis

feudman

Potsie, I think you need to find a neuropsychologist or a dementia specialist. Do you live anywhere near a large, teaching hospital? 

You didn't mention his age, but I'm assuming he's under 65 (to get an EO dx). The younger they are, the more likely its FTD. It typically strikes people in their 50's. My guess from your description would be PPA (Primary Progressive Aphasia). It is frequently misdiagnosed.

Keep us posted...

Potsie

Thank you for the responses. Dh was in his 50's when we started noticing that something was wrong. The diagnosis or the guess of diagnosis was at the age of 62. We live about two hours from the Mayo Clinic in Mn and a little over an hour away from the University of Mn. I just don't know how hard it would be on him to take the trip and put him through testing. I think it is more for me because I want to know.

I appreciate the information and the time you have taken to respond.