Have any questions about how to use the community? Check out the Help Discussion.

Worried about Mom’s Memory

Options
Dave1989
Dave1989 Member Posts: 1 Member
My mom is 73 and she is forgetful. Meaning she forgets to charge her phone at night, get up and out the door for appointments first thing in the morning. Never sets alarms to get up. Forgets her purse and phone when she leaves the house. She sees a neurologist where we live and had been tested for Alzheimer’s by blood test and doesn’t have it. Was tested again last week and have not received results back. Someone has to go with her to appointments so we can answer the questions the doctor wants to know. My mom is in denial about her memory.

Comments

  • H1235
    H1235 Member Posts: 962
    250 Likes 500 Comments 100 Insightfuls Reactions 100 Care Reactions
    Member

    Welcome. People with dementia are not usually able to recognize their symptoms or limitations. This is called anosognosia. Alzheimer’s is a specific kind of dementia. If she doesn’t have Alzheimer’s she may still have vascular dementia or Lewy body dementia. There are also other things that can cause dementia like symptoms. Lyme disease for example. When my mom was tested it was done by a neuropsychologist. The testing lasted over an hour and involved many questions. I’m no expert, but I would push for more than just a blood test. I think Alzheimer’s will show in a blood test, but I’m pretty sure vascular dementia will not ( that is what my mom has). I hope you can get some answers soon. Regardless of what her diagnosis is it would probably be a good idea to get legal matter in order now while she is able. Your are going to want a DPOA. I would not tell her this is because of her bad memory if that will upset her. I would suggest it’s just a good idea given her age.

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
Read more