Diagnosis process

hml05 · April 29

Hello all,

I was able to get my mother to be seen by a neuropsychologist for testing recently, which required very careful persuasion and lying to get her there. They now want to make an appointment to go over the results with her. I am considering not doing this and having them just send me the report, if I can get it. My mom has no idea that she has any memory or thinking or behavioral problems. She gets very agitated and has an explosive temper that has escalated to slapping me last week and threatening to kill me. She screamed and yelled at me during the drive home after the 2 neurology visits that she has already had. Since she does not remember the neurology appointments and any testing that has been done and she lacks any ability to make sound decisions, is there any reason that I should put her and myself through more distress with this next appointment? I do have medical poa, but they refuse to talk with just me.

Thank you in advance for any advice and help!

hiya · April 29

I’m so sorry you are in this club. It is such a difficult place to be.
it is important to get results. I would tell them about the safety issue of driving with your mum and her explosive temper. If they won’t talk to you alone, maybe with your information on behaviors (don’t sugar anything), and their results, they will be able to prescribe your mum some medicine to help with her temper and anxiety. After that, you may both be able to go. Remember, your safety is important.

ShannonBlakely · April 29

Hi! I am new here. Just joined. I am in the midst of trying to find a neuropsychologist that is on my mom's insurance to do the testing. Did insurance cover the test?

CoralRN · April 30

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/72909/diagnosis-process

Just a few thoughts - Can the results be given over the phone? Maybe they can do a telehealth visit. Can you see her electronic medical records? Sorry you are dealing with this.

hml05 · April 30

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/241940#Comment_241940

I tried calling today, but it did not go well. They will not let me speak with the Dr. at all. They said the doctor is extremely busy, but they will leave a message with her regarding me wanting to talk to her before the appointment. The person on the phone kept reiterating that they can't discuss the results with me and I kept reiterating back to her that I wasn't wanting the results, but want to discuss how to prepare for the visit and my concerns for the explosive outbursts. I have suffered an enormous amount of emotional and mental abuse from my mom, and her getting physical with me was the last straw. I refuse to put myself in a situation that I know will likely cause me more trauma. Unfortunately like I said though, I can't even get the doctor on the phone to address this. It is so frustrating. It's like trying to take care of an adult with the reasoning and logic skills of a 3 year old with adult size tantrums.

SDianeL · April 30

The neuropsychology testing will only confirm cognitive impairment. Having the results won’t help or change anything. I would have them nail the results and you get the mail. She needs a Geriatric Psychiatrist to prescribe medication for anxiety and agitation. If you feel threatened or unsafe, have her taken to the hospital and tell them she can’t be released because you don’t feel safe with her. We know how frustrating it is to get help for her if she refuses.

Diagnosis process

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