Questions for Neurologist(2)

MarLee92

As I mentioned in my previous post, my MIL was diagnosed with Alz in August, 2021. Although just diagnosed officially in Aug, she has had symptoms since 2018 and the doctor puts her at mid-stage.  Next week we go back to her neurologist for her first checkup since being diagnosed.  My MIL doesn't understand that she has Alz and her children are still quite in denial.  What I'd like to know, is what are some questions we should be asking the neurologist at this point?  Recently my MIL has been having dizzy episodes and I have let the Neuro know that.  The children have not set up a daily schedule for her as the neuro requested and are slowing figuring out how to get her to eat more.  But she still lives alone and she still has her car keys!!!!!  She recently hurt her foot and had to go to a specialist.  They gave her bandages, antibiotic, etc to take care of it at home.  Her son went over everything when they got home on what she needed to do (yes they still think she can manage this herself!) and when he returned from the pharmacy, she had no idea what he was talking about and hardly remembered the appointment. Thank you all for responding to my last post, I feel I'm in the right place

jfkoc

One thing they may have is a list of support groups. I would also ask what geriatric Dr they refer to and what to do about the dizzyness.

M1

I would ask specifically about driving and living alone. He/she may or may not be willing to tackle those practical concerns. Look up Tam Cummings stages of dementia, that may help you get a handle on where she is on the disease spectrum. Don’t expect her to concede gracefully. If power of attorney has not been addressed that should be your first order of business with a certified elder law attorney.

MarLee92

Thank you for recommending the Tam Cummings stages of dementia.  It is by far the best description of the different stages I have found.  I see my MIL sadly somewhere between stage 4 and 5 and she was just diagnosed in August,2021.  I just can't believe how bad the Primary Physician handled this. I am definitely asking about her living alone, I think that if nothing else, she needs someone experienced with alz coming in a few days a week to help out. And yes we have the POA and HIPPA forms filled out, so any of us can talk about her care.

M1

Lee, do you have durable power of attorney for general/financial matters too?  If you do, then you can arrange for home care/assistance whether she agrees or not.  If you don't, that's what an attorney can help you address.  I hope you do...you will need it.  If she's already stage 4/5 (that's where my partner is), she won't be able to sign competently for much longer.

MarLee92

Yes we do have the POA for general and also medical.  In addition, we made sure we were all on release forms at all her doctors so they could talk to us directly.  I do alot of online messaging with both her doctors, and my MIL actually said she is so relieved not to have to think about it.  She is getting to a point though, where she is questioning why she keeps having to go the doctor.  She'll say, "I feel fine, why do I have to keep going to these appointments".  She's really not going to many, but it seems that way to her.  The lawyer also did something called a Ladybird deed - the way I understand it, it makes sure her home stays with the family.  As far as the signing, I have seen hesitation in some individuals who act like they're not sure if she understands what she's signing.  So I agree, I don't think she'll be able to much longer.  Thank you for your help and I hope that things are going as well as can be for you.  It is definitely a journey isn't it?

Michael Ellenbogen

IIf you  no ask this  already I would want to know if the person is an expert in any form  of dementia.  That is the very first  question I always ask.