Meeting with the Neurologist

Possibilities4LO

New to this forum…We have met with the neurologist 4 times over the coarse of the past year. My DW does not understand why we are there, yet we sit and talk about her condition in front of her. It is very uncomfortable for me. When we leave she resents what has been said and voices her dissatisfaction with the doctor. Is this common? How can I most effectively work with the neurologist?

Of course there is no lingering resentment because by the time we get to Olive Garden she has forgotten the session. But she still remembers she doesn't like the neurologist.

Chance Rider

@Possibilities4LO welcome to our community, though I’m sorry that due to your DWs diagnosis you need to join us.

What you described sounds like your DW has anosogosia, not uncommon with AD. It’s different from denial in that she truly doesn’t realize her condition.

My husband has this, which can be extremely frustrating for caregivers. I’ve learned not to mention dementia, AD, or even his limitations in his presence.

To communicate important info to our Neurologist and other doctors, I write out notes that I hand them (unobtrusively) before we start talking.

I’m still new and learning but the people here will probably chime in with more information. This site has been a great resource for me.

trottingalong

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74872/meeting-with-the-neurologist

Not knowing your wife’s diagnosis, age or stage, I would ask is there a purpose to the appointments and are they a benefit to your wife. I have learned to write a note to the doctors prior to an appointment to let them know my husband does not recognize he has dementia and the word is not used around him and the point of seeing them (like medicine adjustments). I don’t see the point in upsetting him and making him feel uncomfortable. His GP is who handles his medicines. I do have POA for medical.

charley0419

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74872/meeting-with-the-neurologist

my wife hates going. Advise don’t tell her about appointment till day of. I write him a letter befor each appointment and give to staff on her progress. They don’t like going as can’t answer simple questions