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

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.

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.

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.

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.

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-demen...-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 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.

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. .

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?

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

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.

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

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_______.

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…

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.

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.