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Several Issues: Early onset Alzheimer's, neuropathy & RLS
Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: Oct 6, 2016 | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
Hello,
I am joining this site to find help from a patient advocate at mayo clinic in Rochester.
My aunt needs to be evaluated for Alzheimer's. She has begun to show signs of the disease. She has a family history of Alzheimer's, with her father and two brothers dying from Alzheimer's.
The issue she is having is getting her primary doctor to refer her to Mayo in Rochester for a consult/ evaluation. She will not.
My auntie is suffering and needs someone to champion for her. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
She lives in Minnesota and I live in California, otherwise I would be at Mayo until she can be seen.
Thank you, Karen
Replies to "Hello, I am joining this site to find help from a patient advocate at mayo clinic..."
Hi Scott,
What is a POA?
Karen
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Hello @karenahmari I am Scott and it is nice to make your e-acquaintance here. I am sorry to hear of your Aunt's diagnosis. My mother in law had dementia and also lived in Minnesota, as we did at the time. My wife, who had brain cancer also exhibited many symptoms of dementia and benefitted greatly from the expertise of the doctors at Mayo Rochester.
My first suggestion would be to ask your aunt's doc why she will not make the referral. In our case several times a GP was reluctant it was because they were in over their heads in a particular area, but refused to see or admit it. I know questioning medical folks can be tough, but it would be my first step as you are right -- she needs a champion!
If you have POA for your Aunt you can perhaps do even more for her in this arena.
The dementia program and doctors in Rochester are truly gifted and amazing.
I wish you well on this journey,