Short term memory and spouse

douglaske17 · September 2

I am 56 and started having memory issues this year and seems more prevalent recently. I dont have a diagnosis yet and see the neurologist in Nov. A recent example is my wife and I went on a hot air balloon ride in Africa. 8 days later she told friends we took the balloon ride and I interrupted her and said no we didnt. I had no recollection of the ride at first but after several mins as she talked about it the memory vaguely came back. My wife gets upset when I question something she says because I don’t remember it. But I cant help it because I dont have the memory. Do I have to learn to just trust what she is saying?

Iris L. · September 2

Welcome Doug. You need to have a thorough medical evaluation with blood tests from your primary doctor. There are many dementia mimics due to illnesses or medication side effects. Do you have a history of head trauma? Tell the doctor your medical history. This should be done before you see the neurologist. Ask the doctor to do a Mini Mental Status Exam. This is a screening test, it is not a diagnostic test.

You and your wife can read about the diagnostic process for memory loss at alz.org. She will have to learn to become patient.

Are You still working?

Iris

douglaske17 · September 2

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/221608#Comment_221608

Hi - I am retired, not on any medication and have had no head trauma. I have blood tests annually and everything looked fine. I had a brain MRI over a year ago due to balance issues and saw this neurologist back then. The MRI showed white matter lesions but he said they could be nothing and just with age.

Iris L. · September 3

Hello Doug, I'm glad you were tested negative for vitamin B12 deficiency and thyroid disorders. I also have white matter hyperintensities on MRI. My diagnosis is cognitive impairment not otherwise specified. I was prescribed Exelon patch and memantine by my neurologist. They help with my memory and my speech.

You might want to read about leukoairiosis, it describes white matter disease, and has to do with poor balance. You might want to find a reputable article and print it out for your neurologist.

Iris

douglaske17 · September 3

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/221648#Comment_221648

By the way, my Vit D levels have been borderline low (28-32) since first measured in 2018. I read that can be linked to elevated risk of dementia/Alzheimer's. Although my levels arent super low. I see my General Phy today and will talk to him about all this. Thanks for your help.

Iris L. · September 4

Doug, can you spend more time in the sun while the weather is still warm and the sun is still high in the sky, so your skin can make natural vitamin D?

Iris

douglaske17 · September 4

I’m in the sun almost everyday. I have lived in Orlando FL for 25 years. My body doesnt make the levels of Vitamin D I need.

VeronicaHAlvarez · September 4

I take a 50k Vitamine d Pearl twice a week because my body does not process vitamins. I read an article on the web, and that is one thing that Alzheimer's patients have in common. That and plaque buildup in the body. you cant get the vitamins from just food, you need the supplements. it will help you feel better along with the good meal plan.

douglaske17 · October 26

I had cognitive testing performed and I scored average or above on everything except verbal memory - which I scored bottom 5%. The dr said definitely an issue in the left temporal lobe. I see my neurologist in 2 weeks to discuss next steps.

Iris L. · October 26

Hi Doug. How have you been doing at home? How do you spend your days? Were you affected by the hurricanes? How is your vitamin D level? Are you doing Best Practices?

I had testing recently and my neurologist changed my diagnosis, after about fifteen years, from cognitive impairment not otherwise specified to attention deficit. I have difficulty with attention. I continue with my medications, Exelon patch and memantine XR because I don't want to rock the boat at this time. I have a lot of projects in the coming months that I want to be able to accomplish successfully.

Iris

keep_hope_alive · October 28

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/226691#Comment_226691

Iris, I had read that attention deficit can sometimes be diagnosed as cognitive impairment. Were your brain scans and blood tests otherwise normal?

douglaske17 · October 29

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/226812#Comment_226812

Our neighborhood lost power for a couple days but we have a generator. Vit D level is good. I had another MRI a couple weeks ago and they said no real differences from the one 1.5 yrs ago. Blood tests are good. The doctor who did the test said it definitely is not psychological when I asked. She said it could be EO but didnt think it was because my spatial memory tests were ok. But I read verbal memory is normally the first sign of EO ? Is that accurate? The doctor wants me to do the P-tau test and an FMRI and or EEG to find out more.

douglaske17 · December 5

my MRI, blood tests and p-tau were all normal. A new item is I couldnt remember how to tie a bow or tie. With each situation I started to do it and then stood there like someone who never has done a tie or bow before. The worst feeling is knowing I know how to do it. Eventually I just make attempts at each and after a while was able to do it. I still dont have a diagnosis and dont see my neurologist for 5 months 😞

douglaske17 · December 5

Thats interesting and I believe good news to go from cognitive impairment not otherwise specified to attention deficit.

Short term memory and spouse

Comments

Commonly Used Abbreviations

Community Guidelines

Categories