It’s happening quickly

jduran041

My dad’s symptoms are the following:

•Can’t hold a conversation. Always asks who we’re talking about.
•Doesn’t remember friends & family members
•Stumbles sometimes but no falls yet.
•Forgot that yogurt goes in fridge.
•Did not remember my son in a photo.

I’m concerned that he has advanced significantly to another stage, has been experiencing “memory issues” for over 5+ years I think.

Has anyone experienced something similar: he does not want to go to the neurologist?

How does one motivate him to go?

SusanB-dil

Hi jduran - welcome to 'here', but sorry for the reason.

Yes, all the things you listed have happened to a lot of us 'here' in the forums.

It sounds like he is into stage 5, but please do check out the stages. Very helpful.

For going to the doctor - A lot of us use fiblets. "You must go because insurance requires it" or, if he has any prescriptions that "You need to be seen for prescription renewal".

MIL hasn't known anyone in photographs for some time.

H1235

Anosognosia is very common in dementia. It is a lack of understanding or awareness that something is wrong. This makes things very difficult. His refusal to see a doctor indicates he probably has this symptom as well. He is probably not able to make important decisions for himself. It’s time make up whatever story you need to to get him to the doctor. There may be some medication that can slow the progression and other issues that should also be ruled out. I hope he has Appointed a durable power of attorney. This is important and will help a lot. Below is a great source for information on stages.

https://tala.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Tam-Cummings-LLC-Handouts.pdf

This place is a great place for information, venting, and just talking through difficult situations.

Emily 123

Hi,
Sometimes an acute illness can push the PWD a bit further along. Take him to the doctor to have a UTI or other illness like covid ruled out, and get him assessed. Tell the provider what things you’ve noticed ahead of time (either via a healthcare portal note or discussion when making the appointment, or hand off a note at check in with the staff) . Don’t discuss the issues in front of your dad. Make sure they know he’ll be resistant to care. You may have to fib to get him there- tell him a check up is a new insurance requirement, or tell him you’re taking him to lunch and once you’re almost there ‘by the way’ you need to run in to get your blood pressure checked and have him come in with you. Unfortunately, he no longer has the ability to think logically or to retain information for long enough to make decisions about his care. That ship has sailed. The goal/need is to get him in the door at the provider's, not getting him to understand and agree to have an appointment.

harshedbuzz

@jduran041

You can start at the PCP to rule out any conditions that mimic dementia that might be treatable.

HB