Hi,
I'm a younger person (50) experiencing some cognitive issues, I'm at the very start of this, though the issues have been around for a few years and very slowly getting worse.
I noticed them myself more in the last 2 years, with some arthritic/pain issues, mostly my cognitive stuff I put down to issues with pain management, stress at work and life.
My issues are slight memory problems (names (not family), losing things, organising and planning, apathy/tiredness, some coordination (very mild)).
We bought a house in November, it has low doorways and beams, if I'm walking through, no problems at all, If I am in anyway distracted, tired or have anything on my mind, Bang, I'm hitting my head). A few times now, I've missed or completely taken the wrong slip road off the motorway. These are a few examples.
I spoke to my GP about a year ago and got nowhere, I was told not to worry about it.
A year later we had the same discussion and he ordered general blood tests, nothing came up at all, I'm healthy. Initially the GP was going to end it there, he felt that pain management may have something to do with a slight cognitive decline, losing weight and exercise would help...
I said fine, but I would keep a diary and again emphasised the symptoms I've experienced above and how unusual they were for me to experience them.
30 mins after the call, he rang back and agreed that these could be early signs of dementia or something else. I agreed that it was a concern and he has agreed to refer me to the memory clinic and for a CT Scan.
As much as I don't want a diagnosis, I do want to know what is going on, my partner notices it as did my sister who visited for a weekend a few weeks ago.
But it is all so mild and difficult to define.
I'm struggling with work, but they are also understanding so have patience with me, which is great.
I'm keeping a diary of all events of note for when I do see someone.
Is there anything else I can be doing that will help and hopefully avoid me being fobbed off?
No appointment yet for the scan or the memory clinic, so I'm happily waiting, it's just a worry.
I know something is wrong, my thinking is really fuzzy and though still able to do al most everything, I really have to think twice and make sure I am carefully considering every action at times.
I'm grateful for any advice and thoughts you might have. Apologies for the long post.