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How do I get a diagnosis for a spouse?

MobbyGirl
MobbyGirl Member Posts: 3
5 Care Reactions First Comment
Member
in Caring For a Spouse or Partner

I am new to this site. I have noticed behaviors for about a year in my husband. Many of the issues you mention on this site are the behaviors I observed. I have a friend whose husband had Alzheimer’s and she has been so helpful. My husband will never admit he has symptoms. How do I get a diagnosis? He does allow me to go to the doctor with him.

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  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 1,080
    1000 Comments 500 Care Reactions 250 Insightfuls Reactions 250 Likes
    Member

    welcome. So sorry for the reason you’re here. Call the doctor or send a message on their portal. Make a list of behaviors. Tell them you want him tested without mentioning your conversation or alarming your DH. The doctor can say it’s routine and required by the insurance company. Then the PCP should get a referral for further testing. First a Neurologist for brain scan. My DH Neurologist didn’t mention the words Alzheimer’s or dementia. Then perhaps a Neuro Psychologist who can give a 3-4 hour test. I never said the words to my DH either. Many people with dementia don’t realize they have issues. Meanwhile read the book “The 36 Hour Day” which helped me understand the disease. Come here often for info & support. You may have to insist on testing. That’s where the behavior list will help. Please keep us posted.

  • Aarron
    Aarron Member Posts: 14
    Fourth Anniversary 10 Comments 25 Care Reactions
    Member

  • MobbyGirl
    MobbyGirl Member Posts: 3
    5 Care Reactions First Comment
    Member

    Aaron -Thank you so much. I appreciate your response.

  • lenbury
    lenbury Member Posts: 26
    Second Anniversary 10 Comments 5 Likes 5 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    When my wife first started having memory issues her primary care physician gave her the 15 minute simple diagnostic test and she scored very poorly. I was shocked and my wife was angry. She did consent to an MRI to rule out tumors etc. The MRI just showed an aging brain. Our physician said he would provide a referral to a neurologist but said they would most likely start a medication to control the rate of decline. Now we are close to 5 years into the journey and living at home with help from home health aides. I think everyone's story differs. Good luck to you.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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