Early stage memory loss and MCI lack of medical attention

Neither neurologist asked me what I was observing or feeling, they just spoke with my husband. Of course he said he's fine and the same as always, he just forgets things every now and again like anyone. Not. And of course he said that, he doesn't know how much he forgets (because his short term memory is leaving) and he isn't aware of his shortcomings, duh. "Come back in 6 months" meant "I'm not going to so anything for 6 more months." Just because my husband did okay on a few drawings he's deemed okay, though he forgot anything they asked him to remember, even for a minute. I would have given them plenty of examples that described the decline had they asked because I have been keeping track. I mentioned MCI to one of them and he told me to stop self diagnosing. The other patients in both offices did have more severe issues so maybe MCI and memory loss just isn't a top priority, who knows. I got more info and help from the people who responded to my original post here than from the docs, sad to say.

My husband has been diagnosed with MCI as well. He primarily has short term memory issues with some long-term gaps. We are struggling to adapt and figure out how to help him.

We went to a neuropsych evaluation and they provided some additional resources for us. We are modifying his diet (eating cleaner and more quality food) and trying to have him exercise more. I notice a significant improvement in his clarity after goes swimming. It is a blessing to have him be himself for a little bit.

These resources were recommended. (We have not tried all of them yet as we got this evaluation 3 weeks ago):

Online Resources:
a. BrainHQ.com is a research-based program designed to engage the mind in brain
stimulating activities that involve memory, attention, processing speed, general
intelligence, and social skills.
b. For additional tips and resources for maintaining cognitive sharpness, the patient can visit
the AARP mental sharpness website "staying sharp" dot aarp dot com. (Sorry could not post the url).

Books that offer compensatory strategies and tools to support memory in daily activities:
a. The Memory Bible: An innovative strategy for keeping your brain young, by Dr. Gary
Small
b. Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory by Andrew E. Budson, MD and Maureen K.
O’Connor, PsyD

I hope this helps you, and best of luck as we go through this journey.

Thanks so helpful

Acceptance is always the key

Thank you, I often say The Serenity Prayer.

I face the same problem. Have they done a brain MRI on him. If not, insist on one. This woke my provider up. They still haven't done much more. The coroner for my mother gave vascular dementia as the cause of death--that helped. Out of frustration, my family doctor put me on Aricept which has been a great help, but I have also tested positive since then on an amyloid PET scan (my grandmother's diagnosis was Alzheimer's) so I don't know what is going on. In frustration I have had them refer me to Mayo and am now waiting for a response. Good luck.

I face the same problem. Have they done a brain MRI on him. If not, insist on one. The positive result woke my provider up. They still haven't done much more. The coroner for my mother gave vascular dementia as the cause of death--that helped. Out of frustration, my family doctor put me on Aricept which has been a great help, but I have also tested positive since then on an amyloid PET scan (my grandmother's diagnosis was Alzheimer's) so I don't know what is going on. In frustration I have had my neurologist refer me to Mayo and am now waiting for a response. I should mention that I am almost 83 and have had adverse reactions to around 55 medications, to date. I have had autoimmune problems since the 3rd grade. Good luck! I look to Mayo for better guidance and diagnosis than I have gotten in Idaho (which is almost nothing).