So dad has an appointment this week for a memory test at the doctors. I want to go with him just to see what happens but also to make sure questions are asked. Bit concerned as when I have spoken to this doctor he seems quite dismissive of having a diagnosis as "not much you can do anyway". Just after any thoughts of what to expect, do GP's prescribe anything or do you have to wait to go to a specialist clinic. Should I go with dad? I don't want to upset him but feel I need input as on a good day he's ok. Also concerned of his reaction if the doctor says he thinks it is alzheimers.
Memory test
- Thread starter Coco23
- Start date
Hi @Coco23 , I am sure it would be beneficial to go with your Dad although I would expect the Dr to want to talk to your Dad alone. Memory tests are odd as some practicioners want the person on their own and some don't care.
Your Dad may be told he has some memory impairment but its unlikely he would be diagnosed formally just from a basic memory test. He will be referred to a Memory clinic and they will arrange more test and scans.
GP's can usually only prescribe medication for dementia if an elderly care psychiatrist concurs.
I don't agree that there is nothing to be done,there is no cure but medication and lifestyle can help. Its important your Dad remains as physicaaly active as possible,that he continues to be socially active and he does things like quizzes and crossword that challenge him.
Really extensive memory tests can say what part of the brain has been affected what the effect will be and what can help not cure.
You are being great,carry on being supportive,its a devastating diagnosis to receive so he will need you to encourage him,
Your Dad may be told he has some memory impairment but its unlikely he would be diagnosed formally just from a basic memory test. He will be referred to a Memory clinic and they will arrange more test and scans.
GP's can usually only prescribe medication for dementia if an elderly care psychiatrist concurs.
I don't agree that there is nothing to be done,there is no cure but medication and lifestyle can help. Its important your Dad remains as physicaaly active as possible,that he continues to be socially active and he does things like quizzes and crossword that challenge him.
Really extensive memory tests can say what part of the brain has been affected what the effect will be and what can help not cure.
You are being great,carry on being supportive,its a devastating diagnosis to receive so he will need you to encourage him,
Hello @Coco23 and welcome to the forum
Please do keep the appointment with the GP and do go with your dad as people with dementia regularly dont tell the doctor the whole story and just say they are fine. You also cant be sure that what they say the doctor told them is completely true either - I learned this from hard experience. If you dont like the idea of telling the GP about your concerns in front of your dad then send in a letter or email outlining your concerns, but its important that the doctor knows the whole truth.
The GP wont make the diagnosis, so is very unlikely to tell your dad that he has dementia/Alzheimers - this has to be diagnosed by the memory clinic and they are the ones who will prescribe any medication indicated. I hope your dad gets referred there. A diagnosis of dementia wont suddenly change anything, but it will become important as dementia progresses as it will open doors for support.
Please do keep the appointment with the GP and do go with your dad as people with dementia regularly dont tell the doctor the whole story and just say they are fine. You also cant be sure that what they say the doctor told them is completely true either - I learned this from hard experience. If you dont like the idea of telling the GP about your concerns in front of your dad then send in a letter or email outlining your concerns, but its important that the doctor knows the whole truth.
The GP wont make the diagnosis, so is very unlikely to tell your dad that he has dementia/Alzheimers - this has to be diagnosed by the memory clinic and they are the ones who will prescribe any medication indicated. I hope your dad gets referred there. A diagnosis of dementia wont suddenly change anything, but it will become important as dementia progresses as it will open doors for support.
Thanks @maisiecat and @canary. Really good point about keeping active, we struggle to get him to do much, he's happy just to sit with his dog. Also elderly so dread the day anything happens to her!
So we had the memory test today. So sad, dad couldn't answer any of the questions. He will be referred to the memory clinic but apparently the wait is a very very long time. Again the doctor said that it doesn't matter if it's long wait as they can't do much anyway. Which seems at odds with what I read about people being put on medication. Hard to know what to believe sometimes. The doctor did say it's clearly some form of dementia which dad seems happy with (or oblivious). I have a holiday booked in May so my main focus is making sure friends are about to support mum for that week. Sure it's going to be hard getting on that plane but will keep me sane!
@Coco23 There can be a very long wait for memory clinic appointments depending on where in the country you live. Bit of a postcode lottery I'm afraid.
By what you said, I think you knew that your Dad wouldn't do well at the GP's memory test, but it's still tough to have that confirmed. It will rather depend on any diagnosis as to if and what any medication is proposed. Whatever, it won't be a magic bullet, rather perhaps slowing progress or helping with symptoms.
It's good that you have a holiday booked in May and can now, in good time, think about the support your Mum will need while you're away.
Do keep with us on this forum, as I've probably said before, members here do understand and want to help. Take care.
By what you said, I think you knew that your Dad wouldn't do well at the GP's memory test, but it's still tough to have that confirmed. It will rather depend on any diagnosis as to if and what any medication is proposed. Whatever, it won't be a magic bullet, rather perhaps slowing progress or helping with symptoms.
It's good that you have a holiday booked in May and can now, in good time, think about the support your Mum will need while you're away.
Do keep with us on this forum, as I've probably said before, members here do understand and want to help. Take care.
I'm so sorry @Coco23 I know it was what you were expecting but its still really upsetting. Its also grim that its a long wait for the memory clinic.
You will have to see hoe he is now his fears have also been confirmed. Like I said try and get him to socialise and be active. Don't overpush,from my experience with my husband its very tiring to manage the memory loss.
You definitely need your holiday,this will be a marathon not a sprint. Companion carers can help your Mum with support so she can get an hour or so away.
Take care
You will have to see hoe he is now his fears have also been confirmed. Like I said try and get him to socialise and be active. Don't overpush,from my experience with my husband its very tiring to manage the memory loss.
You definitely need your holiday,this will be a marathon not a sprint. Companion carers can help your Mum with support so she can get an hour or so away.
Take care
I’m so sorry your dad has a long wait for the memory clinic.
My husband had his second memory test with the nurse and scored 21, he’s to see the doctor and then possibly the memory clinic, waiting to find out if his bloods are alright, he’s only 68 years old, it’s too scary to think about.
My husband had his second memory test with the nurse and scored 21, he’s to see the doctor and then possibly the memory clinic, waiting to find out if his bloods are alright, he’s only 68 years old, it’s too scary to think about.
Hello @Helio and firstly welcome to this friendly and supportive forum. There is a wealth of shared experience of dementia to be found here, so I am glad you have found us.
I am sorry to read about your husband and his second memory test. The waiting is awful, always is. Try not to pre empt things - Go with what you know, rather than what you don't at this stage.
You will always find true understanding here from members that really do want to help, so please do let us know how things go, and if you have any particular questions then please do ask away.
I am sorry to read about your husband and his second memory test. The waiting is awful, always is. Try not to pre empt things - Go with what you know, rather than what you don't at this stage.
You will always find true understanding here from members that really do want to help, so please do let us know how things go, and if you have any particular questions then please do ask away.
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