Memory loss evaluation/help..........

[billethkid]

I have done a TOTV search and found not much for the issue of memory loss/evaluation/care giving/etc.

We are trying to help a very close friend whose spouse "may be" in the early stages of memory loss (other than what is expected for normal aging)

The current challenge is how to 'help' when the person is not aware they have a problem.

Thus far the internet has yielded too general offerings.

Just trying to take advantage of early stage assessment means/experience(s) that may be available.

We fully understand the risk of flak/crap that sometimes come from such an open forum. However over the past 20 years....we have experienced the value added that is usually made available
here in TV.

[villagetinker]

There are several studies going on, try contacting Synexus or Charter Research, both have programs that evaluate the individual and the possibility of participating in the testing of new drugs to combat the illness. Also, in the Daily Sun, there are references (once per week) in the health section. Finally, contact the persons health coverage (we have AARP UHC) for a 24/7/365 nurse, they will have access to a lot of additional information and help on this subject.

[gatorbill1]

You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped

[billethkid]

You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped

Thanks for the input.
We are endeavoring to learn about how best to deal with someone who does not know (yet?) they need help.

[asianthree]

You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped

That is not the issue. The issue is the person doesn’t know there is a problem, denying is the first crossroad, that will never change. Getting qualified help, is the first step to the spouse sanity. I can by experience say the person will never realize there is a problem.

OP have dealt with the same issue with 3 family members. Early on one may take note of memory issues, and if mentioned the person usually becomes unhappy that you have mentioned help may be needed. Sometimes the person becomes angry with your comments, pushing you away from their life. The denial will only become more pronounced.

There are two trials as mentioned in this thread. The spouse needs to contact both to see if a eval can be acquired. Their primary care also needs to be involved. Keep in mind the spouse will take the brunt of any actions, an outside friend such as yourself will be comforting to the spouse, not so much to the person who needs help.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/memory-loss-concerns is a good basic overview of dealing with early memory loss issues, from the point of view of a loved one OR the person experiencing the memory loss who is not "quite" sure they have a problem yet.

Finding Dementia Care and Local Services (https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/find-local-services) offers help finding local support groups and other services to help patients and their families.

If their memory loss is severe enough that you feel they need an intervention, but they're in denial and don't think they have a problem at all (yet) - you could trick them. Just remind them they have the new doctor for their annual physical this year, and take them there. Meanwhile it'll be a doctor who specializes in memory care, who you've already spoken with at length to set up this intervention.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I have done a TOTV search and found not much for the issue of memory loss/evaluation/care giving/etc.

We are trying to help a very close friend whose spouse "may be" in the early stages of memory loss (other than what is expected for normal aging)

The current challenge is how to 'help' when the person is not aware they have a problem.

Thus far the internet has yielded too general offerings.

Just trying to take advantage of early stage assessment means/experience(s) that may be available.

We fully understand the risk of flak/crap that sometimes come from such an open forum. However over the past 20 years....we have experienced the value added that is usually made available
here in TV.

get the primary care to recommend a neurologist. A neurologist can prescribe drugs that help with memory loss, ie, slow down the effects of dementia/ alzheimers.

My mom took it and it did help for several years.

The key test is when they can't tell time with an analogue watch or clock. Ask them to draw a clock or draw the hands of a clock at pick a time, if they cant do it, they are starting the brain decline of dementia / alzheimers.

good luck, my mom turns 98 in two weeks and can't remember anything, that isn't in her regular routine daily. .

[bsloan1960]

So, what you are saying is the poster did nothing more than waste their time- they should simply give up? Or, might there be some value in getting information Now, in case the person decides they do need help. What do you think?You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped

[bsloan1960]

Charter Research in Lake Sumter Landing offers FREE memory assessment. After an initial free basic screening they may recommend more advanced testing, including blood work, MRIs and PET Scans- ALL FREE. If they determine the person is a good match they may refer them participate in Drug Trials being conducted by a variety of Pharmaceutical companies- all FREE. Charter Research - Clinical Trials for Healthier Lives (https://www.charterresearch.com/) I have done a TOTV search and found not much for the issue of memory loss/evaluation/care giving/etc.

We are trying to help a very close friend whose spouse "may be" in the early stages of memory loss (other than what is expected for normal aging)

The current challenge is how to 'help' when the person is not aware they have a problem.

Thus far the internet has yielded too general offerings.

Just trying to take advantage of early stage assessment means/experience(s) that may be available.

We fully understand the risk of flak/crap that sometimes come from such an open forum. However over the past 20 years....we have experienced the value added that is usually made available
here in TV.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The OP is dealing with someone who doesn't realize they have a memory problem at all. And so - assuming they do have one, they're in complete denial. They don't recognize that there's any reason to get a doctor involved.

What the OP needs, is a way to handle that kind of brick wall. The Alzheimer's Association has vast resources, many local, to help with exactly that.

The patient will not BE a patient of a neurologist, if they are confident that they don't need one. People with dementia will often not realize that they have a "problem" that needs to be "treated." Rather, they start out just thinking they're getting old, and being forgetful comes with the territory. That's how it starts out. That sounds like what the OP is dealing with currently.

[Debra Freeman]

Administer the State Mini Mental Exam; it’s easy. If they do have dementia, of course they don’t recognize it as they may have a serious problem. If the spouse in not accepting of this possible diagnosis, there is nothing you can do. If anyone is living alone and you think someone is different from dementia, there is much you can do.

This is my area of expertise.

Patricia

[asianthree]

get the primary care to recommend a neurologist. A neurologist can prescribe drugs that help with memory loss, ie, slow down the effects of dementia/ alzheimers.

My mom took it and it did help for several years.

The key test is when they can't tell time with an analogue watch or clock. Ask them to draw a clock or draw the hands of a clock at pick a time, if they cant do it, they are starting the brain decline of dementia / alzheimers.

good luck, my mom turns 98 in two weeks and can't remember anything, that isn't in her regular routine daily. .

Count your blessings, my mom was late 70s.Today she no longer knows who I am and gets violent if I enter the room, “I am a stranger”. The bright light is she thinks our daughter is me, and our granddaughter is her mother. Our hope is she stays at that level until the end, but if wishes we’re ponies_______.

[Grinchie]

Can the spouse tell the ‘denier’ that they, themselves, believe THEY have a memory problem & set up an appointment for both of them ? Maybe they won’t go for to be tested themself, but they may go as support for their mate if the mate says they need that, support…

[RoboVil]

I have done a TOTV search and found not much for the issue of memory loss/evaluation/care giving/etc.

We are trying to help a very close friend whose spouse "may be" in the early stages of memory loss (other than what is expected for normal aging)

The current challenge is how to 'help' when the person is not aware they have a problem.

Thus far the internet has yielded too general offerings.

Just trying to take advantage of early stage assessment means/experience(s) that may be available.

We fully understand the risk of flak/crap that sometimes come from such an open forum. However over the past 20 years....we have experienced the value added that is usually made available
here in TV.
Just some information on a class of medications which may slow down the progression of memory loss. Not definitively proven yet, but encouraging preliminary research results in small number of patients followed for years. The class of medications are the injectable GLP-1 agonists - the same class of medications used for Type 2 Diabetes and weight loss (think Ozempic). They are relatively expensive, Mounjaro is probably the best and least expensive. The studies were with older medications in that class so presumably the newer agents will have the same/better results, if the results can be duplicated. Remember, this is not yet a proven benefit of these agents.

[Stu from NYC]

K2 is also a good source for testing and if applicable for studies. Good progress is being made to slow down dementia.

Also Medicare wellness exam had memory component.

[beckylou152]

I’m a nurse and my specialty is memory loss. I recommend that the closest relative talk to the individual about their concerns. He may be more aware than you think but just scared. If that doesn’t work, call his primary care office and ask them to do an evaluation at his next appointment. When a person has memory loss, it can be due to a wide variety of factors. Some are reversable (medication side effects, abnormal findings in blood samples, depression) and some are not (Alzheimer’s, other types of dementia). A skilled provider needs to do the assessment starting with primary care.

[CarlR33]

You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helpedYes and no. They could have a brain tumor causing issues (one example). I had a family member with this issue that was wrote off by doctor as sinus. Family insisted other doctors, etc as issues persisted. It was only then the issue was found.

[Teemotay]

I have done a TOTV search and found not much for the issue of memory loss/evaluation/care giving/etc.

We are trying to help a very close friend whose spouse "may be" in the early stages of memory loss (other than what is expected for normal aging)

The current challenge is how to 'help' when the person is not aware they have a problem.

Thus far the internet has yielded too general offerings.

Just trying to take advantage of early stage assessment means/experience(s) that may be available.

We fully understand the risk of flak/crap that sometimes come from such an open forum. However over the past 20 years....we have experienced the value added that is usually made available
here in TV.


Charter Research may be a good first step, as others have mentioned. I participated in a free memory screening there and they had me come back in 12 months to retake the tests to monitor for any changes.

I’ve had much more extensive testing at UF Neurology in Gainesville. Parts of both assessments were similar in the types of questions or tests. Just much more testing at UF.

At a minimum, they give you an idea of where you are currently with memory and the initial testing provides a baseline for future testing.

Good luck to you.

[aldeana]

Chárter Research, in the Sumter Landing area does free memory assessments. And they can also orient you with your other questions.

[Diver]

I have done a TOTV search and found not much for the issue of memory loss/evaluation/care giving/etc.

We are trying to help a very close friend whose spouse "may be" in the early stages of memory loss (other than what is expected for normal aging)

The current challenge is how to 'help' when the person is not aware they have a problem.

Thus far the internet has yielded too general offerings.

Just trying to take advantage of early stage assessment means/experience(s) that may be available.

We fully understand the risk of flak/crap that sometimes come from such an open forum. However over the past 20 years....we have experienced the value added that is usually made available
here in TV.

The villages health care has an excellent dementia support group led by Melissa Denham. Also there are videos by Deepa Snow that deal with alot of different subject's on how to deal with someone who has dementia. I also recommend a book called " The 36 hour day". Hope this helps.

[NotGolfer]

Years back, my mom passed away and my dad met and re-married a woman who subsquently had dementia. We lived a distance away as did 2 or my siblings. My oldest sibling lived in the same community as my dad and his wife. Over time, we were "distanced" from my dad and new wife. I'm not sure if he was embarrassed by her behaviors or what had happened. The "wife" was nasty (should have been a red flag). Oldest sibling was very meek so kept her distance. When we'd come to visit---my dad would tell us he'd meet us as a restaurant and he'd pay for our meal and we could chat (another flag). As time went on it was apparant that new wife had something going on. So friends of my dad and maybe relatives, stepped in and tricked the wife. She was evaluated and placed in a memory-care place. My dad was very embarrassed about it all. Come to find out she had been abusive to him. He'd get in his car and spend time in shopping/parking lots (maybe even slept there). They'd order take-out for food. Me and my siblings felt so badly for him once we found out these things. My dad quietly divorced the woman as advised by his attorney. He was told her care would bankrupt him. Now keep in mine---Dad married this person in his mid-70's.....the marriage was in the mid-1970's. This was happening all through his 80's (he lived to be 95). I think her placement happened, maybe in his early 90's. He moved into an assisted living and seemed the happiest he'd been in a very long time. IF intervention could have happened sooner...perhaps things would have been different for him (and her). She didn't have family and alienated many friends/acquaintances over the years. In her healthy years, she was a narcissist and opportunist. Had never married til Dad but had been a "kept" woman. Mind you---this was during the era when people actually looked down on this. Anyway---dementia is a mean disease. The OP is a kind person desiring to help!! Today there are many places to find it!!

[PugMom]

Thanks for the input.
We are endeavoring to learn about how best to deal with someone who does not know (yet?) they need help.

God bless you, this is one of the toughest times you will face. sometimes you have to wait until that person sees/admits they have a problem, then care comes much easier. Please listen to Tinker, -Charter has many trials & studies going on, they would be your best bet imo.

[Charsaunt]

Earlier this year my cousin and I went to a short seminar (1-1.5 hours) given by Dr. Craig Curtis. He had ads in The Village Sun and is located near The Villages Hospital. The talk was VERY informative and if you wish, you could sign up for cognitive testing (all free). Depending on your results you could then enter into a trial for new, experimental dementia drugs.
We found the seminar and testing very interesting and respectful. Would very highly recommend this to anyone, if only to have more ammo in your arsenal on how to deal with this horrible condition.

[REO7990]

I have been dealing with the same issue with my Mom’s memory loss. They were seeing a medical provider (PA) who was not taking Mom’s memory issues seriously while encouraging her to take OTC Prevagin. I was able to transition them both to Villages Health and Mom has an appointment with a neurologist who can do a proper evaluation. The villages health has an entire department dedicated to memory loss/dementia and will provide cognitive assessments. They also have various programs in place for caregiver support. The thing about dementia is that it will not get better, only progress. Good luck with the process.



I have done a TOTV search and found not much for the issue of memory loss/evaluation/care giving/etc.

We are trying to help a very close friend whose spouse "may be" in the early stages of memory loss (other than what is expected for normal aging)

The current challenge is how to 'help' when the person is not aware they have a problem.

Thus far the internet has yielded too general offerings.

Just trying to take advantage of early stage assessment means/experience(s) that may be available.

We fully understand the risk of flak/crap that sometimes come from such an open forum. However over the past 20 years....we have experienced the value added that is usually made available
here in TV.

[Stu from NYC]

Earlier this year my cousin and I went to a short seminar (1-1.5 hours) given by Dr. Craig Curtis. He had ads in The Village Sun and is located near The Villages Hospital. The talk was VERY informative and if you wish, you could sign up for cognitive testing (all free). Depending on your results you could then enter into a trial for new, experimental dementia drugs.
We found the seminar and testing very interesting and respectful. Would very highly recommend this to anyone, if only to have more ammo in your arsenal on how to deal with this horrible condition.

Dr Curtis is with K2 research and recommend him highly

[Jensor17]

Charter Research in Lake Sumter Landing offers FREE memory assessment. After an initial free basic screening they may recommend more advanced testing, including blood work, MRIs and PET Scans- ALL FREE. If they determine the person is a good match they may refer them participate in Drug Trials being conducted by a variety of Pharmaceutical companies- all FREE. Charter Research - Clinical Trials for Healthier Lives (https://www.charterresearch.com/)

Memory loss does not require more drugs. DID YOU CONSIDER DRUGS GIVEN PATIENTS FOR SURGICAL PAIN RELIEF ARE WHAT CAUSES DEMENTIA? Fentanyl is given as opioid pain relief at joint replacement surgery -- and it actually causes brain memory disorders ! Doctors indiscriminately without warning give this drug and then write in patient record "patient was told what pain drugs are available and given choice to select other alternatives" THEY WRITE THIS IN YOUR RECORD TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM MALPRACTICE. You won't find out what they gave you until you order your medical record from hospital .

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Memory loss does not require more drugs. DID YOU CONSIDER DRUGS GIVEN PATIENTS FOR SURGICAL PAIN RELIEF ARE WHAT CAUSES DEMENTIA? Fentanyl is given as opioid pain relief at joint replacement surgery -- and it actually causes brain memory disorders ! Doctors indiscriminately without warning give this drug and then write in patient record "patient was told what pain drugs are available and given choice to select other alternatives" THEY WRITE THIS IN YOUR RECORD TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM MALPRACTICE. You won't find out what they gave you until you order your medical record from hospital .

Lighten up, Francis. Charter Research provides all kinds of medical research, from memory loss to foot fungus and everything inbetween. Dementia doesn't have a singular cause. In fact, dementia is a catch-all term for a myriad of brain illnesses. It is a collection of symptoms, and not the name of a disease.

You're on a tirade against pain meds, and that has nothing, zilch, nada to do with this topic - which is how a person can help a loved one who doesn't know that they have a memory problem.

Charter research does memory screenings. If you do the screening and qualify, you can CHOOSE to participate in a pharmaceutical trial designed for specific things. For instance - memory loss caused by stroke might not qualify for these trials, but memory loss caused by Lewey Body Dementia might. Or maybe it must be Alzheimers only. The point, is that you can find out if you have dementia, by going through these screenings. You can always choose not to participate in a drug trial if you qualify for it.