Ask Your Health Question. Health Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Health Question?)

Memory problem
Sent to Health Experts June 21 12:19 PM

Help,I am my mother caregiver and manage her her things. My mother I believe has dementia. Last year I took her to a neurologist but he said her mind was fine because she was able to pass his mini memory test. She is very confused at times, forgets that she called me and that I'm coming over. She is surprised to see me when I get there. Hides things and can't remember where they are, or doesn't know she even move and hide something.She is living in an assisted living and accuses the aids of coming in her apartment and stealing and using her things. She had an alchohol problem for years and is lucky to be alive due to cirrhosis. Her PC has finally started to question dementia and wants her to see a psychology but she doesn't want to go because there is nothing wrong with her. She says it is only because she is not concentrating enough and is nervous because everyone is stealing her things and she doesn't feel safe living at the assited living and wants to move. I have a brother who doesn't think there is anything wrong with her and thinks she can live alone in her own apartment. I told her that wasn't a good idea and told her if she was moving she would have to live with me. Could you give me some advise as to what my next step could be. Thank you

 

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 77

Already Tried:
Herbs and haldol (she is not taking it as she should)

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 21 3:51 PM (3 hours and 32 minutes and 37 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Ms F,
Although the Folstein mini-mental status test is a useful screening tool, as you have noticed, it is imperfect and does not pick up less severe problems. Your mother may have a milder form of dementia or "mild cognitive impairment." This will benefit from memory building techniques and activities that require her to use some thinking. Board games and craft building, for instance.

Another thing to consider is "pseudo-dementia" or depression. Depression in the elderly can often mimic dementia and the treatment is very different. A psychology consultation sounds like a good idea.

--Dr. Sun

A reliable free resource for patient directed reading on health topics is Medline Plus (medlineplus.gov). Search "your topic" to get some more information.

If this helps, please click the accept button. Leave some feedback and let me know if you have more questions.
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Online Health Advice