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Asking for any suggustions. Have friend about 90 ...


Sent to Health Experts July 26, 2006 1:02 p.m.

Asking for any suggustions. Have friend about 90 years old, extremely active all his life both in business and travel till lately. Started with memory problems like not being able to remember what was said a couple of minutes before. Long term memory is good.
On July 4th he fell on his rear end on the side walk out side his home. From just standing to sitting. He complained about a lot of pain and had a large bruse that night.
His wife took him to the doctor, they X-rayed and found no broken bones. He continued complaining so they took him in again and X-rayed again. Could not find any reason for the pain that he says he has. They checked with several doctors including his heart doctor. Has has a pacemaker for years.
He is now without motovation, staying in bed all day sleeping. He is eating and drinking very little. They have to just about force medicine, food and liquids down. They have Home Health and nurses checking on him.
Any suggestions of what to look for that might have been overlooked?

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Male , Age: 66

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Answer
July 26, 2006 11:03 p.m. (10 hours and 0 minutes later)
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There are several condition which I would think of in this situation; alzheimers disease, hypothyroidism, depression, low pressure hydrocephalus, chronic subdural hematoma

Alzheimers disease is a progressive form of dementia - which often starts with short-term memory loss. There is no known cure - however there are medications which may help to mitigate some of the symptoms and precent a decline in function

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can cause a multitude of symptoms including memory problems, fatigue and lethargy. It is easily screened for with a simple blood test (TSH) and can be easily treated if diagnosed with replacement thyroid hormone. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000353.htm

Depression - often missed in older individuals since physicians and families often blame mental changes on "age".
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001521.htm

Normal pressure hydrocephalus - is a condition in which there is an accumulation of CSF fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) in the ventricles of the brain causing them to enlarge. This is associated with 3 symptoms: difficulty walking, cementia or forgetfulness and jrinary incontinence (bladder control problems)
http://www.lifenph.com/default.htm

Chronic subdural hematoma - a collection of blood under one of the linings of the brain - often caused by head trauma
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000781.htm

I would talk with his doctor about getting a CT scan or MRI of the brain, get some screening labs including a blood count, TSH (for thyroid), Vitamin B12 level to start.

As for the pain - I would suggest that he see an orthopedic surgeon if he continues to have the pain - since chronic pain can cause or contribute to depression. A complete orthopedic evaluation - and possibly a pain management clinic evaluation.

Antidepressants may help - since they also often have beneficial effects in chronic pain

I hope this information was helpful to you.

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