seeking doctor recommendation

Welcome. This community is from all over the country I doubt you will find a doctor recommendation for your specific area. When my mom was diagnosed her pcp did a very simple short test in the office. Draw a clock, remember 3 words, count backwards… Mom did this with no problems at all. Some pcp’s might do bloodwork and order a brain scan ( I can’t remember if it’s mri or ct). I sent a patient portal message to the doctor prior to the appointment explaining everything that was goi g on. If I had brought these things up at the appointment she would have had a fit. If don’t have access to a patient portal I would write a letter and bring it to the office before the appointment. She was then referred to a neurologist. The next available appointment was 4 months out ( and I kind of think we were lucky to get her in that soon). At the neurologist they tested her for a couple of hours. When they were done they said things were bad enough that they recommended she not drive and said she was not safe to live alone. I got the impression that a referral was required for the neurologist. People with dementia often have anosognosia. This is the inability to recognize their symptoms or limitations. If these limitations are brought up in conversation they tend to be very upsetting to the person with dementia. Even the most compassionate doctor may cause your parent to become upset. Do you or another family member have a durable power of attorney. This is very important! I will attach a few resources that might be helpful.

https://www.agingcare.com/topics/295/anosognosia