I am so grateful to have found your channel and I hope that’s you realise how important your explanations are to people. I am going through this Alzheimer dementia diagnosis process for the first time with my mother after the death of my father 6 months ago. I am sure there are so many people navigating this process who feel as alone as I do and to have found an expert who is willing to help and guide people through this really is a lifeline. I thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ Tthnk you
It's the loss of her life partner. Same kinda thing happened with my mom - dad passes suddenly, she acts strong on the outside while torn up inside, in six months she's losing it. There isn't enough support in the world to carry feeling people through such trauma unscathed.
I have worked with alzheimer patients for 7 years. My mom is 96 & is showing every sign of sundowners. When I mentioned this to my sister, who worked in a seniors home as office management for 35 yrs, she freaked on me, she's also my mom's power of attorney. Mom should not be alone but is still living in her own home. I stay with her 2 or 3 days a week, the rest of the time my sister pops in & makes sure she has something to eat & has snacks for later. She never spends more than an hour with her at a time, where I stay for at least 48 hrs at a time. Mom doesn't do her personal care anymore unless you stand over her making sure she does. From 3:30 pm on she becomes more confused, agitated & very restless. Some nights she's up & down every 30 to 60 minutes. She doesn't remember that in the morning though & says she slept well.. my sister believes her & says anytime she stays over she sleeps well. I don't recall her ever spending an overnight with her. Mom needs alot more care than she's getting when I'm not there, but when I say this she says mom's fine on her own with her popping in twice a day for 15 min. I worry about mom. She can no longer take her meds on her own. I'm the only one that cleans for her & find her pills on the floor all the time. Mom has a serious heart condition & needs her meds daily but my sister fluffs this off as well.and tells me that she's "good" the days I'm not with her. She won't talk to mom's doctor about it because she thinks mom's fine on her own. My sister brings her dinner at night because otherwise my mom will only eat bread & butter. We leave meals prepared for her to heat & she can't do that on her own anymore. Help! I can't understand why my sister is in denial. Mom can't get around much anymore. She goes to bathroom & back to couch & that's it. She sleeps on her couch which is not comfortable for her but she doesn't want a new one & my sister won't go against mom's wishes in case she upsets her. Both my brother & I have told her when seniors aren't making good decisions for themselves others must step in, but no she won't go against mom's wishes. What do I do? Why is my sister in denial? We are half sisters & I'm 10 yrs older. There has been alot of animosity in our family. My brother & I were removed from my mother's home when we were very young because of abuse & mom didn't really want us anyway. My hands are tied. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
This was really good info. I wish I'd had it 10+ years ago. I've felt so lost with feeling like we never were given the opportunity to find out more about my mom's dementia when it started. Now of course it would be of no use to do something like this. I wish that at any point, at any dr appt that I've been at with my mom over the last 12-15 years, even one person would have acknowledged the dementia and talked about it with her and us, her family. Even if they didn't recommend the testing, it would have been nice to feel like her doctors were concerned enough to ask if we had questions. I think that we can do a much better job as a society with this just as with all mental health issues.
This is so helpful. I just wish my wife would get tested but there is a huge denial on her and her daughters part and they have convinced her that there is nothing wrong. For the last 9 months my wife has accused me weekly sometimes daily of stealing her stuff and taking it to someone else and how I'm putting stuff in her food. She said two weeks ago she cant live with me stealing her stuff and moved in with one of her daughters. I just wish she would get tested/assessed. Thanks for this video; I have seen almost all your videos.
My dad passed away 15 years ago from Parkinson's and lewy body dementia I haven't seen a neurologist for about 10 years now I have Parkinson's and ADHD but I went through the neuro psychologist testing and tomorrow I do get the results so we'll see what happens
Hi Laura, I'm just reading your post. I hope your results came back ok and not as bad as maybe your fears made it seem to be. I took have Parkinson's and was having a lot of memory issues could not remember my neighbors name or last time I showered, it stayed persistent for months. I'm not on Amantadine and it's improved greatly. My insurance would not cover the test but I believe through my family genes it's dementia
@@DementiaCareblazers the thing is I do not have any dementia right now but it's my ADHD and I have anxiety however I do show a couple of small signs of lewy body dementia which is what my dad had 15 years ago but they said it wouldn't worry about it until I get older
My husband was put through this last year at the age of 54. The Neuropsychologist said, “ you cannot have dementia under the age of 65, so I will be looking for another reason for your husband‘s symptoms.“ I wanted to walk out the door that very moment. I was in the room at first, and my husband was so impaired he couldn’t understand written directions. So she stopped the testing, and just had a conversation with him. She told me “good news, your husband does not have dementia. He is just under stress. After all, you have 10 children and I don’t have any children and I’m not even married and I could see how that was trust me out. So he just needs to see a psychiatrist. She said that he had dissociative conversion disorder. He fits none of that criteria and didn’t do any type of assessment to find out if that was even valid as a diagnosis. It was incredibly traumatic. She said there’s no way she could’ve had a normal conversation with someone who had dementia. Apparently she’s never heard of Robin Williams. My husband was able to fake it somewhat last year, but was not able to fake testing. She actually said, “I’m not accusing him of faking it, but…“ As it turns out, he is positive for 14-3-3 testing, it was very very positive. In addition he is borderline for Alzheimer’s disease. While his psychiatrist confirms he is depressed, he knows it is not of psychological origin. Every time we’d see him he would spur me on to get a diagnosis of dementia for him. By the way the only test he could get through was the MOCA test and he scored a 14, showing lower than 16 suggesting dementia. We think it’s Lewy Body since he shows some Parkinson’s symptoms now too. Please get many tests, and if you can, fight through invalid diagnoses.
@@angelastars27 Right?? How can I be more educated in this area of Early Onset Dementia than she is? After my husband was diagnosed with Early Onset AD, well, she no longer works at the VA.
Most people are shocked to learn that the majority of health care professionals have little to no formal training in dementia. It doesn’t matter what initials they have behind their name, the majority of providers do not have dementia training. Thank you for shedding light on this.
Thank YOU and thank GOD!!!! You followed through so that this unprofessional, uneducated medical abuser is less likely to damage others. I doubt anyone can get hired anywhere if the VA didn’t think they deserved employment.
Thank you! I can see this testing is not appropriate for my family member. They get the screening questions sometimes from the doc, but we know from day to day what the real condition is.
The Cognitive test My dad was given.Draw a clock & remember 3 words. So he Wrote them down. And drew a clock.The Dr. Said, He passed. I think doctors need more education in this area. I Honestly I can not find any help in this area .So thank you so much for your channel.
Thank you for all the information you share every week I don't reply all the time but I watch each video that I receive it's very helpful and the other caregiver's stories is helpful also especially with Dementia you never know what will come up next Thank you for the time you put in and just thank you for being here . Take care
So helpful. Thank you Dr. Natali! I wish there was more information like this video. I felt like I was left out in space with no idea on what to do next when my mom was diagnosed with vascular dementia, and no guidance from the medical team afterwards.
Kayoko, I had the same experience...absolutely no guidance or resources afterwards. It just blows my mind that there are no suggestions for next steps, support, reading material. I hope you hang in there!
Thank you Dr. Natali, wonderful informational video!!!🥰 I needed to hear this today, you empower me to empower myself and ask a lot of questions. I Love my Husband, so broken hearted for him. That being said, while I still have him I want to make memories and pre-plan and be smart so I can protect him as he deserves to be. He's protected me throughout our whole marriage❤️ I will stand by his side until he sees the Lord. I know it's not going to be easy...one minute at a time👏 Thank you for this video❤️😊💜
@@DementiaCareblazers it is a hoot around here at times! I've had to learn to be nice and watch my facial expressions LOL thank you for that tip! It works! I want him to trust me and still like me🙏😅💜👏❤️
Am taking my husband to the Neurologist on 7 Nov for test/check/consult. Referred by our family doc. Am hoping it gives me the info needed for the way forward. Your vid is a great help 👌
First , I wanted to say how Precious Lola & Nico are. 🥰 This is the first video I watched of yours . I was watching other videos trying to come up with a game plan to convince my husband to go back to the Neurologist to get more testing done. He went about 4 years ago because we started noticing some things he was doing was off. Like taking our dog for a ride in the truck so they could go to the Park about 2 blocks away. Somehow he walked home and left the truck. I didn’t notice until a friend/neighbor called and asked me about it. Over time he has gotten worse and I’m afraid to leave him alone or let him drive. I’ve begged him to go back to the doctor but his first visit the doctor made it seem like nothing was wrong with him. I was frustrated with the doctor because e wasn’t listening to what I was saying to him. The doctor asked him a handful of questions which half my husband didn’t answer correctly. I know my husband very well. We’ve been married 31 years. My husband doesn’t drink, do illegal drugs or drink. Now it’s to the point my husband asks me the same question more than 10 times daily. He rarely knows the date or what day of the week it is. We have a daughter (40) who lives in California . We live in Louisiana I try not to bother her too much because she’s going to be a first time mom. She knows about her father’s condition and she sees some changes but not like I do because she’s not with him every single day. I just don’t know what to do anymore to try and convince him to see a doctor again. Im in a constant state of Worry. I plan to show him your videos so maybe he can understand there’s a serious problem going on in his brain. Can you please give me some ideas? I’m moving on now to some of your more recent videos. Maybe there’s some of my questions being answered there. Thank you for bringing awareness to this awful disease.I also wanted to let you know, my husband just turned 64 In late April.
I won't say what good neuropsyc testing would do for someone else, but. I took my wife to the ER per her primary care physician with dementia type symptoms and had been sent home from her job at school as an IA. Unknown to me at the time my wife was having trouble mentally after having a hysterectomy and was prescribed an antidepressant and was on that for two years. Covid was creating havoc in the school system. Fast forward after blood work urine test and CT at er the primary physician assistant prescribed a different antidepressant and scheduled an appointment with neurologist another three week wait simply made an appointment for psych testing in Fort Wayne. A four week wait. But not before adding another antidepressant upping the dose of the previous antidepressant and adding an antipsychotic. My wife was shaking in her sleep like she was being electrocuted. Then I started reading. The neurologist testing showed that she was depressed duh. Moving on I had to wean my wife off of all meds to find out what I was seeing with. What fits best is Frontaltempiral dementia. The last straw with the physician assistant was a gene test to see which antidepressants my wife could take. There was the green yellow and red lists of meds but there was also a separate sheet that my wife has a gene anomaly called MTHFR C677T. Two sentences of explanation which she blew off when I questioned her about it. Needless to say we don't see her anymore. I asked her if she had a doctorate in Psychology. Answer was no. I told her I got the prescription filled and saw it was a plastic cube and saw with the list list of side effects...don't be surprised if you see it in your stoool. I informed her we wouldn't be needing her services anymore. Not a good experience.
My hubby was given these tested but I wasn’t sent from the room. My hubby has unfortunately passed away last Monday morning. But I found your talks to be very interesting. He had vascular and Alzheimer’s.
thank you for this explanation. I have neuro deficits now with having long covid. I saw a neurologist and he has concerns that I may have Lewy body dementia. He has ordered a neurpsychological test for me as well as an MRI. Until this video I couldn't quite figure out how this test would show anything particular. Now I understand
It was a full on test with good news no memory problems but did receive a Mild Neurocognitive Disorder, unspecified diagnosis. FTD, not being ruled out.
I'm having a memory test by a health professional in a few days, my memory has been detariating for many years, every time I asked a GP to test me, they either forgot, or didn't it was necessary. It was a 'Locom doctor', that has reffered me...
I only want this test to help us determine whether my husband's brain issues are worsening ADHD or cognitive decline. The cost for ADHD treatment or coaching can cost upwards of $3,000 so I would like to know which direction to take. Thank you. It was very helpful to hear who gives the test and who interprets the information. I have never heard that before today.
WOW!!!! THANK YOU!!!! I dis NOT realize the difference in the screening and the assessment test. This was SO helpful as my father is getting ready to go to the neurologist for memory issues. Now I know what to ask about if it's not brought up.
I wish we had found your site while my father was caring for his mother with dementia who lived alone and then when she passed my father had a few months of freedom before he needed to care for my mother with dementia for years until she passed. Then after she passed he had a couple of years of freedom until he had a stroke and he wasn’t going to be able to live alone. So I sold my home and moved in to care for him. He then had several small strokes and three different falls that broke three different bones. With each he had deeper and deeper dementia. Caregivers are suddenly thrown into a role they have no training for. Having been by their sides as three of my most loved people deteriorate. Now I live alone and my only son lives a 12 hour drive away. I have started to have the same symptoms my mother had when she was slipping into dementia and I am terrified. I live in place GST is 15 minutes by car in either direction to any services or shopping. I wouldn’t be able to live here alone if I no longer had a drivers license so I don’t feel I can discuss my fears with my doctor in case she feels she should notify the licensing bureau. This doctor has only recently taken over the practice and when I saw her last she asked if anyone had spoken to me about speech therapy. I couldn’t tell her I didn’t need a speech therapy, I needed help finding the words I used to know and can’t think of now.
My husband is scheduled for this 3 hour test in February. Our meeting with the dr. will be in April. This seems like a really long time. We will be seeing a psychiatrist as soon as we can schedule. I sure hope this gives us some answers. It's 6 months I've been dealing with this and he has spent 2 weeks in an Oceans facility and still no real answers. Meds have made his hallucinations much better. Thank you for all your help in your videos. GB
Thank you for the detailed explanation. I go in for my second MRI beginning of April and neurologist in May for meeting. Referral from my GP. Also blood test for B12 and some other stuff I didn't understand. Kinda nervous about it all. Thanks again.
Wow thanks for this. My gramma had dementia, so did her mom and all Her siblings. I’m 44 years old and I’m really concerned. I forget too much. I have the thing clear in my mind but can’t find the name for it. The list goes on and I think it’s getting worse.
@@SilverMusik333 Wow I miss so many notifications I’m glad I saw this. Interesting question for sure, if I think about I’d have to say no change from last year. 45 now. Hopefully we do this again next year. Take care.
Thank you. Mom declined sharply post surgery and I have wanted answers, yet at the same time my research seemed to indicate the answers would not necessarily inform the treatment in any significant way. This video helps me be more okay with that instead of continuing to wonder if I should be pushing harder for those answers.
Loooong story short: at 77 yo I had this testing done at the UVA Neurology Center this week and will get the results back on March 28. I saw 2- Doctors and a 3-rd individual for the actual testing (2+ hours for testing). Strange: just prior to the 1st Dr leaving the room, she turned to me and said: "Bill you need to go get a Power of Attorney"!!!! The saga continues!
This video is so timely for me! Mom has her neuropsychiatric appointment one week from today. We’ve been waiting eight months for this appointment. I thought it would include MRIs or CT scans but I guess not. Even so, I’m anxious to hear if the neurologist‘s guess is correct.
When my mum was rested years ago, I asked the geriaters to save an extra spot at nursing home because I failed on multiple parts of the test. The fact that I was open for failing makes the difference, the doctors told me while my mother came up with excuses
Yes, but what about Hospice? Doesn't your person need a diagnosis in order to qualify? How else do you get a diagnosis of (type of) dementia without neurological testing? Thank you for all your great videos and your time. Really love them and they're extremely helpful.
My wife has a family history of Alzheimer's and had head trauma several times. She had Neuropsychological testing in May of 2020 and the results were inconclusive. She was retested in November of 2021 and the result were consistent with Alzheimer's. It helps the Neurologist determine her treatment.
As my late father's primary and resident caregiver for nearly 4 years, I didn't need neuropsych testing to tell me that he was becoming progressively cognitively impaired by dementia. The evidence was overwhelming, pressing, obvious. However, because he was able to do his ADLs, I was not able to invoke the physical impairment provisions of his long-term care insurance policy. He needed help, I needed relief, so I got a referral from his PCP for testing. It confirmed what we already knew, and we were able to invoke the cognitive impairment provisions of his policy. Indeed, the insurance company backdated his eligibility by a year and reimbursed us for considerable covered costs we had racked up in the meantime. So, in his case, testing was "necessary," but for a different reason.
WOW!. Just today I had 2 calls my doctor said my results came back from the hospital scan as bleeds on the brain & a call from hospital its C.A.A. and that combined with tests that I have early stages of demensia. I am 65 & retire next april, occupational health have been involved. I knew I was struggling with silly things like my granchildrens names & comment saying I was repeating myself many times at family events. It's a matter of time & that could be a 5, 10 maybe 15 years before I get so bad, so not a bad innings since my brother died mid 50's of motor neurones disease.
This is so so important to me and I'm so glad I saw this I just went through neuropsychological testing and tomorrow being Monday the 24th I'm going for my results and my aunt is going to take me I'm 53 years old I have ADHD and Parkinson's my neurologist sent me to a neuropsychologist so this is going to be interesting to see the results
@@robyn3349 well I'm excited to go tomorrow to get the results because the neuropsychologist said that it might just be my ADHD getting worse I don't know but my dad had Parkinson's in his dad had Parkinson's and they both had lewy body dementia so we'll see I'm 53 years old and I've had to Parkinson's for about 3 years now I've been diagnosed
Before a patient arrives to the appointment for this type of testing, should they avoid caffeine or other brain boosting foods like lion’s mane or chaga functional mushrooms, or other nootropic type supplements before the testing?
you are the best!!!!!!!! I need a little guidance , how do I know when I need her to be placed? I m eat my limit!!!! She worked on the space program and rocket booster engines, but now she dent know to use her iPhone anymore and forgets to take her go outside!!!! I want to live my own life and I hate to say that, but Im tired, Im depressed and exhausted !!!! I don't want to do this anymore!!!!!!!!! I have no help from any other family member!!! I WANT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow! You need support, and your loved one may be eligible for short term respite care. This my experience with my mom. I made friends with one of the nurse's aides that had a daughter. I asked her if she and her girl would like to live in my mom's house. I would pay her for 6 hrs a day. A block from elem school. They were there from 2000 to 2005. Hired another lady to help while she was at work 8 to 3. My 2 daughters and I helped b4 our work and put Mom to bed, and on holidays. All were appreciated and we were thankful for their help. It gave the CNAs the opportunity to save money to purhase their own homes. The kids had fun in Mom's backyard. Loved their elem school
Now I’m wondering exactly what the testing my husband had! The neuropsychologist was giving the test, the psychometrist wrote/typed. I was with him for the first 15-20 minutes, then his testing lasted only about an hour. Rather expensive, especially if it wasn’t “The” test! Thank you for this video ❤ I was wondering if he should be tested again… probably not useful, he has definitely declined since test was done. He has no short term memory😢
When you give a person these tests it creates a lot of stress and anxiety in the person who is very aware that they are being given a "TEST" and they have to preform in front of a "stranger" . Being stressed immediately makes it harder for me to answer and remember. I never was good a math and spelling or remembering names etc... since I was a kid. Now some medical "expert" wants to create the stress and anxiety I experienced as a child in school !!!!!!
My Husband had to do them for SS. He said it was horribly difficult for him. I don't think he could do it All. It was 2 hours and 30 minutes. I felt so bad he had to go through that. He already had a diagnosis.
Yes. You bring up a good point that sometimes the testing is required for certain benefits and even to be considered for placement at certain facilities.
Please help . I’m 37 and I am losing mental function by the month and year. It’s so much worse than it was a few years ago. Even walking up stairs is starting to get scary. Who do o go to?
What would be needed for a springing power of attorney that is already created be put in place when this kind of testing is not available or primary won’t recommend but person is having safety and financial issues.
Hi Dr Natalie. My husband and I are just back from 2nd appt with the neurologist. He has recommended a spinal tap to check for Alzheimer's gene, as he already diagnosed him with dementia. He also has ordered a sleep evaluation for sleep apnea. He said most of his patients have it. Is this common? He also wants him to see a cardiologist for possible Afib and long term heart monitor. My husband has never had heart issues, is this common too? Many thanks for your thoughts and comments.
Hi. I am supposed to have my 3rd testing but didn't know what it was for. I thought it had something to do with depression. So I have balked at the "prescription" to have the test. Maybe I should have it done for monitoring. I do see some indication of memory impairment and dementia. Very frightening but I can't prevent it. Maybe my husband would benefit from watching your videos too. Thank you!
Hi, great info! Seen several of your videos. I would like your opinion on something. Do you have any suggestions on getting certified in this field? I’m not a nurse. Marketing and sales background. DNP?
I excuse myself quickly when they do a (screening) mini cog on my husband. The first time he had it done, he kept looking at me and I just looked away. I was so uncomfortable for him AND myself. What's more concerning, is how the neurologist said my husband did fine when I clearly saw he struggled in almost every area of the mini cog. How do I go about getting full neuro-psych testing on my husband when dementia is suspected? I've asked my husband's doctors and they just blew off my concerns. My husband's ADL are suffering greatly and my husband refuses to acknowledge what's going on. He says that since he doesn't see it, he's fine.
I understand the objectivity of the testing is necessary and good. Just wondering if the subjective reports of family or caregivers factor into diagnosis…perhaps filling in some pieces of the puzzle? My mother was not tested. She was already 85 and we felt the testing would be too much for her. Downside is difficulty in getting “dementia” into her medical records for consideration in treatment of other health issues.
So y mom had Parkinsons with dementia and died from it. I am 78 and am sure I have signs. But when they tell me to remember three items and they are going to check at the end of the interrogation I have a very high IQ and now make sure to remember. In the past Month I have left my handbag behind and had to go and find it and my shopping cart I left behind somewhere. And last week I took the wrong bus and went on around tour of our city. I also fall often. But don’t know what to do. I live alone and hate the thought of having someone looking after me. None of my kids have place for me on their homes and nor would I like to,live with them
This is pretty helpful. However, several people have been saying that you shouldn't get testing done before certain legal things are resolved because the loved one could be deemed incompetent, and similar arguments along those lines. The most common response I get in conversation about testing is "there's nothing that can be done about it anyway." On the other side of the fence are those who argue that dietary steps can reverse dementia and this testing will help assess such progress. Is testing for diagnosis different from other kinds of testing? A local Alzheimer's study department at our state university offers testing that specifically pointed out it isn't a diagnosis, for instance.
How does neurocognitive differ from neuropsych testing? My LO has had both over a few years and the neurocognitive was only a couple hours, while the neuropsych was all day long. Which is a better gauge of impairment?
My loved one would not get a test as it was called a pscho geriatric test but we knew she was not right and later was diagnosed with dementia .I also had to make the difficult decision she should not drive as her driving was dangerous to cyclists etc as she was not aware of them. Xxx
My LO was referred for nuropsych testing but I have concerns over the several hour period it's performed. My LO seems to have a anxiety that takes over and just gives up. They did say one person can be in the room though. Her Geriatric Dr thinks testing done by his social worker/psychologist will be effective so im lost as in what to do.
I live in the UK. My mother was diagnosed with mixed dementia (vascular and Alzheimer's) after a brain scan. Is this not done in the US? She was tested with various questions beforehand but it didn't take anywhere near as long as 3 hours.
That's interesting. But under what real life circumstances can it be helpful to put your loved one through this testing? I can't be the only one who recognizes when their elderly loved ones are suffering mental decline. Plus, a test like that requires a baseline to be of accuracy. Testing someone unknown can only reference them to a generic benchmark. Even when my mom was very noticeably impaired to us, many people didn't believe she was impaired at all. That's because impairment isn't absolute, but relative. And then it's too late to reverse with any current practices. The medication to "slow" doesn't work, or at least not enough to justify the cost in money and deleterious effects. I believe pharmaceutical medication aided the development of my mom's dementia in the first place (no proof but I suspect it). It's scary. Maybe as AI gains ground we can finally get to the bottom of what the physical changes are at the molecular level and remove any suspicion of profit motive for treatment over preventive measures. Which I'll predict means interests will move to ban/limit/outlaw AI once it starts to make strides and they can concoct some emotionally laden plea under some other plausible sounding concern. Watch for it.
Your videos are extremely helpful! Feeling blessed and quite released to have found your channel. Would you be opening your private FB group for new members at dime point? I would love to join and connect with other members. Thanks in advance!
I have a free closed FB group for caregivers to connect. You can find that here: facebook.com/groups/DementiaCareblazers/ If you are referring to my private program, you can learn more here: go.careblazers.com/carecourse
Tomorrow I go with my husband for the nuero psych test he has mild cog decline with symptoms of parkinsons were both 75 he was always very active college degree military agent orange exposed is there any medication to keep him at this level
I’m so sorry to hear this. So far no meds slow the rate of decline, but lecanemab which is nearing FDA approval is the first to actually do this (based on the drug makers studies, more studies need to be conducted). Reach out to the VA for geriatric services they can be helpful in getting respite, home health care, adaptive equipment and even pay the family to be caregivers. Ask to speak to a social worker for help in knowing what resources services at the VA can help you care for your husband. There are A LOT most people don’t ever learn about
So once they r dx with the type of dementia, why do they continue to test year after year. It just seems like they r being set up for failure, especially when my husband is still aware that he is making mistakes.
Translator during clinical interview is pretty standard but it would not be possible for the actual testing. The testing results would not be valid in that situation.
@@DementiaCareblazers I've learned so much from your videos. The caretaker has to change their behavior to keep the love in the caretaking. The tips you offer guides the caretaker on the right path. You make things simple to tasks that are not easy.
Natalie, I have a question. I was having memory issues for a good 8 months. My insurance would not cover the Psych test so my PCP put me on Amantadine about 3 months ago. I've noticed a greater than 50% difference in my memory. My insurance is going to change here in the future. How effective will the test be now that I'm being treated if I get to take it? Can the Dr and specialist sort it out?
@@DementiaCareblazers Thanks Natalie, I appreciate the help. I'm guessing the fact that the Amantadine is working proves there was a definite cognitive decline and most likely from Parkinson's
I am so grateful to have found your channel and I hope that’s you realise how important your explanations are to people. I am going through this Alzheimer dementia diagnosis process for the first time with my mother after the death of my father 6 months ago. I am sure there are so many people navigating this process who feel as alone as I do and to have found an expert who is willing to help and guide people through this really is a lifeline. I thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ Tthnk you
I agree so grateful Thank you❤️
Thank you for your kind words, Ann.
It's the loss of her life partner. Same kinda thing happened with my mom - dad passes suddenly, she acts strong on the outside while torn up inside, in six months she's losing it. There isn't enough support in the world to carry feeling people through such trauma unscathed.
My partner just went through this testing last week. Crossing our fingers that they finally have some answers for us.
I like the pace and simplified explanation of this very much ! Please do more like this!
I have worked with alzheimer patients for 7 years. My mom is 96 & is showing every sign of sundowners. When I mentioned this to my sister, who worked in a seniors home as office management for 35 yrs, she freaked on me, she's also my mom's power of attorney. Mom should not be alone but is still living in her own home. I stay with her 2 or 3 days a week, the rest of the time my sister pops in & makes sure she has something to eat & has snacks for later. She never spends more than an hour with her at a time, where I stay for at least 48 hrs at a time. Mom doesn't do her personal care anymore unless you stand over her making sure she does. From 3:30 pm on she becomes more confused, agitated & very restless. Some nights she's up & down every 30 to 60 minutes. She doesn't remember that in the morning though & says she slept well.. my sister believes her & says anytime she stays over she sleeps well. I don't recall her ever spending an overnight with her. Mom needs alot more care than she's getting when I'm not there, but when I say this she says mom's fine on her own with her popping in twice a day for 15 min. I worry about mom. She can no longer take her meds on her own. I'm the only one that cleans for her & find her pills on the floor all the time. Mom has a serious heart condition & needs her meds daily but my sister fluffs this off as well.and tells me that she's "good" the days I'm not with her. She won't talk to mom's doctor about it because she thinks mom's fine on her own. My sister brings her dinner at night because otherwise my mom will only eat bread & butter. We leave meals prepared for her to heat & she can't do that on her own anymore. Help! I can't understand why my sister is in denial. Mom can't get around much anymore. She goes to bathroom & back to couch & that's it. She sleeps on her couch which is not comfortable for her but she doesn't want a new one & my sister won't go against mom's wishes in case she upsets her. Both my brother & I have told her when seniors aren't making good decisions for themselves others must step in, but no she won't go against mom's wishes. What do I do? Why is my sister in denial? We are half sisters & I'm 10 yrs older. There has been alot of animosity in our family. My brother & I were removed from my mother's home when we were very young because of abuse & mom didn't really want us anyway. My hands are tied. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
This was really good info. I wish I'd had it 10+ years ago. I've felt so lost with feeling like we never were given the opportunity to find out more about my mom's dementia when it started. Now of course it would be of no use to do something like this.
I wish that at any point, at any dr appt that I've been at with my mom over the last 12-15 years, even one person would have acknowledged the dementia and talked about it with her and us, her family. Even if they didn't recommend the testing, it would have been nice to feel like her doctors were concerned enough to ask if we had questions. I think that we can do a much better job as a society with this just as with all mental health issues.
Yessssss! It’s a problem that enables so much suffering
I agree with you 100%!
This is so helpful. I just wish my wife would get tested but there is a huge denial on her and her daughters part and they have convinced her that there is nothing wrong. For the last 9 months my wife has accused me weekly sometimes daily of stealing her stuff and taking it to someone else and how I'm putting stuff in her food. She said two weeks ago she cant live with me stealing her stuff and moved in with one of her daughters. I just wish she would get tested/assessed. Thanks for this video;
I have seen almost all your videos.
My dad passed away 15 years ago from Parkinson's and lewy body dementia I haven't seen a neurologist for about 10 years now I have Parkinson's and ADHD but I went through the neuro psychologist testing and tomorrow I do get the results so we'll see what happens
You have my thoughts. 🤞. Runs in my family and it’s my fear.
❤️🙏💜💪😘
Hi Laura, I'm just reading your post. I hope your results came back ok and not as bad as maybe your fears made it seem to be.
I took have Parkinson's and was having a lot of memory issues could not remember my neighbors name or last time I showered, it stayed persistent for months. I'm not on Amantadine and it's improved greatly. My insurance would not cover the test but I believe through my family genes it's dementia
Sending love to you as you await your results. 💖
@@DementiaCareblazers the thing is I do not have any dementia right now but it's my ADHD and I have anxiety however I do show a couple of small signs of lewy body dementia which is what my dad had 15 years ago but they said it wouldn't worry about it until I get older
My husband was put through this last year at the age of 54. The Neuropsychologist said, “ you cannot have dementia under the age of 65, so I will be looking for another reason for your husband‘s symptoms.“ I wanted to walk out the door that very moment. I was in the room at first, and my husband was so impaired he couldn’t understand written directions. So she stopped the testing, and just had a conversation with him. She told me “good news, your husband does not have dementia. He is just under stress. After all, you have 10 children and I don’t have any children and I’m not even married and I could see how that was trust me out. So he just needs to see a psychiatrist. She said that he had dissociative conversion disorder. He fits none of that criteria and didn’t do any type of assessment to find out if that was even valid as a diagnosis. It was incredibly traumatic. She said there’s no way she could’ve had a normal conversation with someone who had dementia. Apparently she’s never heard of Robin Williams. My husband was able to fake it somewhat last year, but was not able to fake testing. She actually said, “I’m not accusing him of faking it, but…“ As it turns out, he is positive for 14-3-3 testing, it was very very positive. In addition he is borderline for Alzheimer’s disease. While his psychiatrist confirms he is depressed, he knows it is not of psychological origin. Every time we’d see him he would spur me on to get a diagnosis of dementia for him. By the way the only test he could get through was the MOCA test and he scored a 14, showing lower than 16 suggesting dementia. We think it’s Lewy Body since he shows some Parkinson’s symptoms now too. Please get many tests, and if you can, fight through invalid diagnoses.
Yesssss! Thank you for sharing this!
@@angelastars27 Right?? How can I be more educated in this area of Early Onset Dementia than she is? After my husband was diagnosed with Early Onset AD, well, she no longer works at the VA.
Most people are shocked to learn that the majority of health care professionals have little to no formal training in dementia. It doesn’t matter what initials they have behind their name, the majority of providers do not have dementia training. Thank you for shedding light on this.
@@DementiaCareblazers It is shocking! Your channel and the information you share is a lifeline for so many of us. Thank you and God bless you!!
Thank YOU and thank GOD!!!! You followed through so that this unprofessional, uneducated medical abuser is less likely to damage others. I doubt anyone can get hired anywhere if the VA didn’t think they deserved employment.
Thank you! I can see this testing is not appropriate for my family member. They get the screening questions sometimes from the doc, but we know from day to day what the real condition is.
The Cognitive test My dad was given.Draw a clock & remember 3 words. So he Wrote them down. And drew a clock.The Dr. Said, He passed.
I think doctors need more education in this area.
I Honestly I can not find any help in this area .So thank you so much for your channel.
Thank you for all the information you share every week I don't reply all the time but I watch each video that I receive it's very helpful and the other caregiver's stories is helpful also especially with Dementia you never know what will come up next Thank you for the time you put in and just thank you for being here . Take care
I’m glad to hear the videos are helping, Diane. 💖
This was very helpful. No one ever explained why they were sending my husband to NeuroPsych. Now I understand.
So helpful. Thank you Dr. Natali! I wish there was more information like this video. I felt like I was left out in space with no idea on what to do next when my mom was diagnosed with vascular dementia, and no guidance from the medical team afterwards.
I’m glad you found this helpful. You are always welcome to leave questions under any of my videos and I reference them when deciding on new topics.
Kayoko, I had the same experience...absolutely no guidance or resources afterwards. It just blows my mind that there are no suggestions for next steps, support, reading material. I hope you hang in there!
Thank you Dr. Natali, wonderful informational video!!!🥰 I needed to hear this today, you empower me to empower myself and ask a lot of questions. I Love my Husband, so broken hearted for him. That being said, while I still have him I want to make memories and pre-plan and be smart so I can protect him as he deserves to be. He's protected me throughout our whole marriage❤️ I will stand by his side until he sees the Lord. I know it's not going to be easy...one minute at a time👏 Thank you for this video❤️😊💜
You are such an amazing and loving wife. Sending you love.
Im going through it too with my sweet husband till death due us part I will take care of him as long as I can
@@DementiaCareblazers it is a hoot around here at times! I've had to learn to be nice and watch my facial expressions LOL thank you for that tip! It works! I want him to trust me and still like me🙏😅💜👏❤️
@@lauranugent9039 We need to be friends❤️🥰🙏🙏🙏😘💟💜
I was thinking that too we could be a good support for each other what state do you live in
Every time I go for routine bloodwork, office visit, etc., i’m given an abbreviated form of the MINI. 80 years old
Am taking my husband to the Neurologist on 7 Nov for test/check/consult. Referred by our family doc. Am hoping it gives me the info needed for the way forward. Your vid is a great help 👌
❤️🙏💜
Sending love to you and your husband as you await the appointment.
First , I wanted to say how Precious Lola & Nico are. 🥰
This is the first video I watched of yours . I was watching other videos trying to come up with a game plan to convince my husband to go back to the Neurologist to get more testing done. He went about 4 years ago because we started noticing some things he was doing was off. Like taking our dog for a ride in the truck so they could go to the Park about 2 blocks away. Somehow he walked home and left the truck. I didn’t notice until a friend/neighbor called and asked me about it. Over time he has gotten worse and I’m afraid to leave him alone or let him drive. I’ve begged him to go back to the doctor but his first visit the doctor made it seem like nothing was wrong with him. I was frustrated with the doctor because e wasn’t listening to what I was saying to him. The doctor asked him a handful of questions which half my husband didn’t answer correctly. I know my husband very well. We’ve been married 31 years. My husband doesn’t drink, do illegal drugs or drink. Now it’s to the point my husband asks me the same question more than 10 times daily. He rarely knows the date or what day of the week it is. We have a daughter (40) who lives in California . We live in Louisiana I try not to bother her too much because she’s going to be a first time mom. She knows about her father’s condition and she sees some changes but not like I do because she’s not with him every single day. I just don’t know what to do anymore to try and convince him to see a doctor again. Im in a constant state of Worry. I plan to show him your videos so maybe he can understand there’s a serious problem going on in his brain. Can you please give me some ideas? I’m moving on now to some of your more recent videos. Maybe there’s some of my questions being answered there. Thank you for bringing awareness to this awful disease.I also wanted to let you know, my husband just turned 64 In late April.
I won't say what good neuropsyc testing would do for someone else, but. I took my wife to the ER per her primary care physician with dementia type symptoms and had been sent home from her job at school as an IA.
Unknown to me at the time my wife was having trouble mentally after having a hysterectomy and was prescribed an antidepressant and was on that for two years. Covid was creating havoc in the school system. Fast forward after blood work urine test and CT at er the primary physician assistant prescribed a different antidepressant and scheduled an appointment with neurologist another three week wait simply made an appointment for psych testing in Fort Wayne. A four week wait. But not before adding another antidepressant upping the dose of the previous antidepressant and adding an antipsychotic. My wife was shaking in her sleep like she was being electrocuted. Then I started reading. The neurologist testing showed that she was depressed duh. Moving on I had to wean my wife off of all meds to find out what I was seeing with. What fits best is Frontaltempiral dementia.
The last straw with the physician assistant was a gene test to see which antidepressants my wife could take. There was the green yellow and red lists of meds but there was also a separate sheet that my wife has a gene anomaly called MTHFR C677T. Two sentences of explanation which she blew off when I questioned her about it. Needless to say we don't see her anymore. I asked her if she had a doctorate in Psychology. Answer was no. I told her I got the prescription filled and saw it was a plastic cube and saw with the list list of side effects...don't be surprised if you see it in your stoool. I informed her we wouldn't be needing her services anymore. Not a good experience.
I am so sorry to hear about your experience. 😢
My hubby was given these tested but I wasn’t sent from the room. My hubby has unfortunately passed away last Monday morning. But I found your talks to be very interesting. He had vascular and Alzheimer’s.
sending love to you, Corinne. I hope you are surrounded by love and support.
thank you for this explanation. I have neuro deficits now with having long covid. I saw a neurologist and he has concerns that I may have Lewy body dementia. He has ordered a neurpsychological test for me as well as an MRI. Until this video I couldn't quite figure out how this test would show anything particular. Now I understand
It was a full on test with good news no memory problems but did receive a Mild Neurocognitive Disorder, unspecified diagnosis. FTD, not being ruled out.
I'm having a memory test by a health professional in a few days, my memory has been detariating for many years, every time I asked a GP to test me, they either forgot, or didn't it was necessary. It was a 'Locom doctor', that has reffered me...
I only want this test to help us determine whether my husband's brain issues are worsening ADHD or cognitive decline. The cost for ADHD treatment or coaching can cost upwards of $3,000 so I would like to know which direction to take. Thank you. It was very helpful to hear who gives the test and who interprets the information. I have never heard that before today.
WOW!!!! THANK YOU!!!! I dis NOT realize the difference in the screening and the assessment test. This was SO helpful as my father is getting ready to go to the neurologist for memory issues. Now I know what to ask about if it's not brought up.
I wish we had found your site while my father was caring for his mother with dementia who lived alone and then when she passed my father had a few months of freedom before he needed to care for my mother with dementia for years until she passed. Then after she passed he had a couple of years of freedom until he had a stroke and he wasn’t going to be able to live alone. So I sold my home and moved in to care for him. He then had several small strokes and three different falls that broke three different bones. With each he had deeper and deeper dementia. Caregivers are suddenly thrown into a role they have no training for. Having been by their sides as three of my most loved people deteriorate.
Now I live alone and my only son lives a 12 hour drive away. I have started to have the same symptoms my mother had when she was slipping into dementia and I am terrified. I live in place GST is 15 minutes by car in either direction to any services or shopping. I wouldn’t be able to live here alone if I no longer had a drivers license so I don’t feel I can discuss my fears with my doctor in case she feels she should notify the licensing bureau. This doctor has only recently taken over the practice and when I saw her last she asked if anyone had spoken to me about speech therapy. I couldn’t tell her I didn’t need a speech therapy, I needed help finding the words I used to know and can’t think of now.
My husband is scheduled for this 3 hour test in February. Our meeting with the dr. will be in April. This seems like a really long time. We will be seeing a psychiatrist as soon as we can schedule. I sure hope this gives us some answers. It's 6 months I've been dealing with this and he has spent 2 weeks in an Oceans facility and still no real answers. Meds have made his hallucinations much better. Thank you for all your help in your videos. GB
Thank you for the detailed explanation. I go in for my second MRI beginning of April and neurologist in May for meeting. Referral from my GP. Also blood test for B12 and some other stuff I didn't understand. Kinda nervous about it all. Thanks again.
Wow thanks for this. My gramma had dementia, so did her mom and all
Her siblings. I’m 44 years old and I’m really concerned. I forget too much. I have the thing clear in my mind but can’t find the name for it. The list goes on and I think it’s getting worse.
You could speak to your doctor about a referral for Neuropsych testing. 💖
How are you doing now, a year later?
@@SilverMusik333 Wow I miss so many notifications I’m glad I saw this. Interesting question for sure, if I think about I’d have to say no change from last year. 45 now. Hopefully we do this again next year. Take care.
Thank you. Mom declined sharply post surgery and I have wanted answers, yet at the same time my research seemed to indicate the answers would not necessarily inform the treatment in any significant way. This video helps me be more okay with that instead of continuing to wonder if I should be pushing harder for those answers.
I’m glad this video was helpful to you. 💖
Thank you! My mom got testing yesterday.
Loooong story short: at 77 yo I had this testing done at the UVA Neurology Center this week and will get the results back on March 28. I saw 2- Doctors and a 3-rd individual for the actual testing (2+ hours for testing). Strange: just prior to the 1st Dr leaving the room, she turned to me and said: "Bill you need to go get a Power of Attorney"!!!!
The saga continues!
This video is so timely for me! Mom has her neuropsychiatric appointment one week from today. We’ve been waiting eight months for this appointment. I thought it would include MRIs or CT scans but I guess not. Even so, I’m anxious to hear if the neurologist‘s guess is correct.
MRI's and CT scans can be helpful for diagnostic clarification and supporting evidence but that alone does not/cannot diagnose dementia
When my mum was rested years ago, I asked the geriaters to save an extra spot at nursing home because I failed on multiple parts of the test. The fact that I was open for failing makes the difference, the doctors told me while my mother came up with excuses
Yes, but what about Hospice? Doesn't your person need a diagnosis in order to qualify? How else do you get a diagnosis of (type of) dementia without neurological testing? Thank you for all your great videos and your time. Really love them and they're extremely helpful.
Highly informative and explained well. Thanks for sharing your expertise.
My wife has a family history of Alzheimer's and had head trauma several times. She had Neuropsychological testing in May of 2020 and the results were inconclusive. She was retested in November of 2021 and the result were consistent with Alzheimer's. It helps the Neurologist determine her treatment.
Yes! That’s a perfect example of how it can be helpful.
As my late father's primary and resident caregiver for nearly 4 years, I didn't need neuropsych testing to tell me that he was becoming progressively cognitively impaired by dementia. The evidence was overwhelming, pressing, obvious. However, because he was able to do his ADLs, I was not able to invoke the physical impairment provisions of his long-term care insurance policy. He needed help, I needed relief, so I got a referral from his PCP for testing. It confirmed what we already knew, and we were able to invoke the cognitive impairment provisions of his policy. Indeed, the insurance company backdated his eligibility by a year and reimbursed us for considerable covered costs we had racked up in the meantime. So, in his case, testing was "necessary," but for a different reason.
Yes! This is a perfect example of when you would want to pursue testing. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you that was informative!!! We’re waiting for primary care doctor to give us a referral!!!
WOW!. Just today I had 2 calls my doctor said my results came back from the hospital scan as bleeds on the brain & a call from hospital its C.A.A. and that combined with tests that I have early stages of demensia. I am 65 & retire next april, occupational health have been involved. I knew I was struggling with silly things like my granchildrens names & comment saying I was repeating myself many times at family events. It's a matter of time & that could be a 5, 10 maybe 15 years before I get so bad, so not a bad innings since my brother died mid 50's of motor neurones disease.
I had it. Now going to have it again.
More Frontotemporal Dementia information 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏
Love your cats!
Thank you. It has been and still is a bug adjustment for all of us, especially Niko
This is so so important to me and I'm so glad I saw this I just went through neuropsychological testing and tomorrow being Monday the 24th I'm going for my results and my aunt is going to take me I'm 53 years old I have ADHD and Parkinson's my neurologist sent me to a neuropsychologist so this is going to be interesting to see the results
I hope you have helpful results!
@@robyn3349 well I'm excited to go tomorrow to get the results because the neuropsychologist said that it might just be my ADHD getting worse I don't know but my dad had Parkinson's in his dad had Parkinson's and they both had lewy body dementia so we'll see I'm 53 years old and I've had to Parkinson's for about 3 years now I've been diagnosed
Before a patient arrives to the appointment for this type of testing, should they avoid caffeine or other brain boosting foods like lion’s mane or chaga functional mushrooms, or other nootropic type supplements before the testing?
My husband had dementia and when at a doctor visit or the Mental Health PA he's always say "Ask her".
I feel so depressed. Like I'm losing my mom. One day, I'm scared I'll wake up and she may not remember my face. I feel myself just dying inside.
you are the best!!!!!!!! I need a little guidance , how do I know when I need her to be placed? I m eat my limit!!!! She worked on the space program and rocket booster engines, but now she dent know to use her iPhone anymore and forgets to take her go outside!!!! I want to live my own life and I hate to say that, but Im tired, Im depressed and exhausted !!!! I don't want to do this anymore!!!!!!!!! I have no help from any other family member!!! I WANT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow! You need support, and your loved one may be eligible for short term respite care. This my experience with my mom. I made friends with one of the nurse's aides that had a daughter. I asked her if she and her girl would like to live in my mom's house. I would pay her for 6 hrs a day. A block from elem school. They were there from 2000 to 2005. Hired another lady to help while she was at work 8 to 3. My 2 daughters and I helped b4 our work and put Mom to bed, and on holidays. All were appreciated and we were thankful for their help. It gave the CNAs the opportunity to save money to purhase their own homes. The kids had fun in Mom's backyard. Loved their elem school
Now I’m wondering exactly what the testing my husband had! The neuropsychologist was giving the test, the psychometrist wrote/typed. I was with him for the first 15-20 minutes, then his testing lasted only about an hour. Rather expensive, especially if it wasn’t “The” test!
Thank you for this video ❤
I was wondering if he should be tested again… probably not useful, he has definitely declined since test was done. He has no short term memory😢
I think I should get tested!
Thank you, thank you, thank you 🙂
When you give a person these tests it creates a lot of stress and anxiety in the person who is very aware that they are being given a "TEST" and they have to preform in front of a "stranger" . Being stressed immediately makes it harder for me to answer and remember. I never was good a math and spelling or remembering names etc... since I was a kid. Now some medical "expert" wants to create the stress and anxiety I experienced as a child in school !!!!!!
Thank you for this channel
My Husband had to do them for SS. He said it was horribly difficult for him. I don't think he could do it All. It was 2 hours and 30 minutes. I felt so bad he had to go through that. He already had a diagnosis.
Yes. You bring up a good point that sometimes the testing is required for certain benefits and even to be considered for placement at certain facilities.
Please help . I’m 37 and I am losing mental function by the month and year. It’s so much worse than it was a few years ago. Even walking up stairs is starting to get scary. Who do o go to?
What would be needed for a springing power of attorney that is already created be put in place when this kind of testing is not available or primary won’t recommend but person is having safety and financial issues.
Hi Dr Natalie. My husband and I are just back from 2nd appt with the neurologist. He has recommended a spinal tap to check for Alzheimer's gene, as he already diagnosed him with dementia. He also has ordered a sleep evaluation for sleep apnea. He said most of his patients have it. Is this common? He also wants him to see a cardiologist for possible Afib and long term heart monitor. My husband has never had heart issues, is this common too? Many thanks for your thoughts and comments.
Hi. I am supposed to have my 3rd testing but didn't know what it was for. I thought it had something to do with depression. So I have balked at the "prescription" to have the test. Maybe I should have it done for monitoring. I do see some indication of memory impairment and dementia. Very frightening but I can't prevent it. Maybe my husband would benefit from watching your videos too. Thank you!
Hi, great info! Seen several of your videos.
I would like your opinion on something. Do you have any suggestions on getting certified in this field? I’m not a nurse. Marketing and sales background. DNP?
I’m doing this test next month and I’m worried it won’t catch everything it should. I’m only 56.
I excuse myself quickly when they do a (screening) mini cog on my husband. The first time he had it done, he kept looking at me and I just looked away. I was so uncomfortable for him AND myself. What's more concerning, is how the neurologist said my husband did fine when I clearly saw he struggled in almost every area of the mini cog.
How do I go about getting full neuro-psych testing on my husband when dementia is suspected? I've asked my husband's doctors and they just blew off my concerns. My husband's ADL are suffering greatly and my husband refuses to acknowledge what's going on. He says that since he doesn't see it, he's fine.
I understand the objectivity of the testing is necessary and good. Just wondering if the subjective reports of family or caregivers factor into diagnosis…perhaps filling in some pieces of the puzzle?
My mother was not tested. She was already 85 and we felt the testing would be too much for her. Downside is difficulty in getting “dementia” into her medical records for consideration in treatment of other health issues.
Yes, family member reports should also be taken into consideration during the clinical interview.
So y mom had Parkinsons with dementia and died from it. I am 78 and am sure I have signs. But when they tell me to remember three items and they are going to check at the end of the interrogation I have a very high IQ and now make sure to remember. In the past Month I have left my handbag behind and had to go and find it and my shopping cart I left behind somewhere. And last week I took the wrong bus and went on around tour of our city. I also fall often. But don’t know what to do. I live alone and hate the thought of having someone looking after me. None of my kids have place for me on their homes and nor would I like to,live with them
This is pretty helpful. However, several people have been saying that you shouldn't get testing done before certain legal things are resolved because the loved one could be deemed incompetent, and similar arguments along those lines. The most common response I get in conversation about testing is "there's nothing that can be done about it anyway." On the other side of the fence are those who argue that dietary steps can reverse dementia and this testing will help assess such progress. Is testing for diagnosis different from other kinds of testing? A local Alzheimer's study department at our state university offers testing that specifically pointed out it isn't a diagnosis, for instance.
How does neurocognitive differ from neuropsych testing? My LO has had both over a few years and the neurocognitive was only a couple hours, while the neuropsych was all day long. Which is a better gauge of impairment?
My loved one would not get a test as it was called a pscho geriatric test but we knew she was not right and later was diagnosed with dementia .I also had to make the difficult decision she should not drive as her driving was dangerous to cyclists etc as she was not aware of them. Xxx
Thank you for making the difficult decision to stop her from driving. That decision is literally saving lives. 💖
Wow. That's alot. I need ro watch this multiple times. Ty so much for this exposure and lingo.
My husband’s primary care physician said he has early on dementia. Where do we go to find out from a doctor trained in this? Need help please
My LO was referred for nuropsych testing but I have concerns over the several hour period it's performed. My LO seems to have a anxiety that takes over and just gives up. They did say one person can be in the room though. Her Geriatric Dr thinks testing done by his social worker/psychologist will be effective so im lost as in what to do.
My mother is 93 and has Dementia. I was so not ready for the mess with later stages!! 😰 Pee. Poop. Ahhhhhhhhhhh....
One question.....😮 who should be in the room when the testing is done on a patient?
How do I get a spinal tap test for dimentia… not a routine test in Canada.. I’ve heard it’s more specific
My husband had the full on assessment in 2017. How soon should he under go another? His doctor retired in 2022.
I live in the UK. My mother was diagnosed with mixed dementia (vascular and Alzheimer's) after a brain scan. Is this not done in the US? She was tested with various questions beforehand but it didn't take anywhere near as long as 3 hours.
That's interesting. But under what real life circumstances can it be helpful to put your loved one through this testing? I can't be the only one who recognizes when their elderly loved ones are suffering mental decline. Plus, a test like that requires a baseline to be of accuracy. Testing someone unknown can only reference them to a generic benchmark. Even when my mom was very noticeably impaired to us, many people didn't believe she was impaired at all. That's because impairment isn't absolute, but relative.
And then it's too late to reverse with any current practices. The medication to "slow" doesn't work, or at least not enough to justify the cost in money and deleterious effects. I believe pharmaceutical medication aided the development of my mom's dementia in the first place (no proof but I suspect it). It's scary. Maybe as AI gains ground we can finally get to the bottom of what the physical changes are at the molecular level and remove any suspicion of profit motive for treatment over preventive measures. Which I'll predict means interests will move to ban/limit/outlaw AI once it starts to make strides and they can concoct some emotionally laden plea under some other plausible sounding concern. Watch for it.
where can we get a neuropsych test?
Your videos are extremely helpful! Feeling blessed and quite released to have found your channel. Would you be opening your private FB group for new members at dime point? I would love to join and connect with other members. Thanks in advance!
I have a free closed FB group for caregivers to connect. You can find that here: facebook.com/groups/DementiaCareblazers/
If you are referring to my private program, you can learn more here: go.careblazers.com/carecourse
Greetings, does Word search books help with vascular dementia? What exercises can help
any activity that keeps the person with dementia interested and engaged and is safe for them to do.
@@DementiaCareblazers thank you
Can the neuro-psych testing be read wrong. A false negative/positive?
Thanks for your question. Here is a video you may find helpful: th-cam.com/video/V2bctDTaHIo/w-d-xo.html
💖
I really appreciate your videos. Is there a way I can get these videos in Spanish?
There should be a Spanish translation option in your screen. I will try to learn more about this, but I’ve enabled translation on my videos.
Tomorrow I go with my husband for the nuero psych test he has mild cog decline with symptoms of parkinsons were both 75 he was always very active college degree military agent orange exposed is there any medication to keep him at this level
I’m so sorry to hear this. So far no meds slow the rate of decline, but lecanemab which is nearing FDA approval is the first to actually do this (based on the drug makers studies, more studies need to be conducted). Reach out to the VA for geriatric services they can be helpful in getting respite, home health care, adaptive equipment and even pay the family to be caregivers. Ask to speak to a social worker for help in knowing what resources services at the VA can help you care for your husband. There are A LOT most people don’t ever learn about
@@DementiaCareblazers tk you I have reached out he had the test today tomorrow a spinal tap I guess to rule out other things ty for your help
So once they r dx with the type of dementia, why do they continue to test year after year. It just seems like they r being set up for failure, especially when my husband is still aware that he is making mistakes.
It can help determine rate of decline and in some cases even refine the diagnosis.
If a doctor does testing and the person doesnt take anyone with them do they ensure the family knows whats happening ??
You mentioned about language. Can I have a translator/caretaker in the room with my mother while taking the test?
Translator during clinical interview is pretty standard but it would not be possible for the actual testing. The testing results would not be valid in that situation.
Can I sit there to observe too?
Not advised. You don't want them looking to you for answers, or you seeing them looking confused, this causes more pressure.
Thanks!
Mario, thank you for your generous donation. Sending you love. 💖
@@DementiaCareblazers I've learned so much from your videos. The caretaker has to change their behavior to keep the love in the caretaking. The tips you offer guides the caretaker on the right path. You make things simple to tasks that are not easy.
Natalie, I have a question. I was having memory issues for a good 8 months. My insurance would not cover the Psych test so my PCP put me on Amantadine about 3 months ago. I've noticed a greater than 50% difference in my memory. My insurance is going to change here in the future. How effective will the test be now that I'm being treated if I get to take it?
Can the Dr and specialist sort it out?
It could still be helpful to fully understand how your brain is functioning and working, but as I mentioned isn’t totally necessary in many cases.
@@DementiaCareblazers Thanks Natalie, I appreciate the help. I'm guessing the fact that the Amantadine is working proves there was a definite cognitive decline and most likely from Parkinson's
so depressing - over and over again
Person, woman, man, camera...
TV
Bringing your cats to a professional video is the first sign of dementia.
Test the POTUS and save this World CRAZY Man
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Yes please do! He still thinks he’s the President!😆
Nice try. Project much, Trumper?