My husband had an appointment at Cleveland Clinic yesterday

Posted by mtdt757 @mtdt757, Mar 21 5:25pm

We (I) started seeking out a Neurologist last November for my dear husband. He has been showing signs of MCI (Mild Cognitive Issues) for the last 2 years. It has been accelerating in the last 6 months. Constant repetition of conversations we have. I recently had to hide the calendar
on the refrigerator with the upcoming doctor appointment. It causes to much anxiety and stress.
We met with the Neuropsychology department yesterday. They told me that they were going to have a 2.5-hour session for testing with my husband (I was not asked to be in the same room with him). What do I know. No problem.
After an hour they came out to the waiting room and said my husband did not want to continue with the "tests".
I was brought into a room with my husband and the Neuropsychology PhD associate.
We sat and she asked many questions for the next hour.
I'm just going get to the point. My dear husband was so confused after tests. He kept telling me that all he remembers was waking up in a hospital room. He said that it must have been pretty good drugs they gave him.
He was never given anything and coherent all day.
Something triggered him too totally not remember yesterday.
This disease is not fun.
Anyone else have an experience this with a loved one?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

@mtdt757

Thanks. He has had a Brain MRI. Ultrasound for the Carotid arteries. Sleep study.
We started all of this last November with a neurologist.
The appointment with the neuropsychologist was final test before the neurologist gathered all of the test results.
Unfortunately, my husband's anxiety level has accelerated with these appointments.

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What I want to know is, what is the purpose of all these tests and medications? We're told the medicine doesn't cure and I don't see any results from the meds my husband takes. Do doctors just prescribe meds so we'll feel like we're doing something? The tests make my husband anxious too, and at the end of the day we still go home to the same difficulties. It's good to know what you're dealing with. I know I needed clarity about my husband's condition, but what I really need at this point is the support of my "care team." A fifteen-minute doctor's visit is a relatively small part of that team.

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I was just following the Neurologist's tests that he ordered. Unfortunately, it has been 5 months since our original appointment with this doctor. He originally set up the final consult for May 27th. I got it moved to April 9th.
I have a list of questions for the "Team" of professionals. It's never easy to navigate the medical system.
I love this Mayo Clinic Connect forum. We can share our experiences and learn from each other. It's comforting that I'm not the only going thru this.
Thank you to all that have responded

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I do realize that dementia can be caused by various conditions, such as Lewy Bodies, Frontal Lobe Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Vascular dementia, Alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, brain tumors, etc. Perhaps the neurologist is trying to determine the exact cause. Idk, but I find your eagerness to get help reasonable and appropriate. Especially, regarding the treatment of your husband’s anguish. Here’s a link about it.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013
I’ll look forward to seeing your posts on updates.

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Unfortunately, his father had Alzheimer's and his brother passed away at 67 from Lewy Body. His other siblings call it the family "Curse".

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I found it helpful to have an accurate diagnosis. I took my husband to the Mayo Clinic 4 years ago and he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. It was very helpful because of the different symptoms and also because we had Long Term Care Insurance. At that time he was fairly independent but the Insurance covered his time at the Adult Day Care Center he went to because of his diagnosis. It also helped me to know what to expect from the disease and how best to help him. He is now in nursing care at the CCRC where we live.

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@celia16

This sounds outrageous to me. Why are they not treating him for his symptoms? Wow….I’ve been active with the online dementia care community for years. I’ve never known of anyone who had dementia to not be on meds for anxiety. The reason is due to them being quite anxious about their condition and the changes they are experiencing. Most primary doctors treat patients who have dementia as do neurologist diagnose them.

Also, meds for Alz are particularly helpful for early and moderate stage dementia according to my dad’s doctor.

I might inquire if they have experience with diagnosing and treating conditions that cause dementia and if not locate a second opinion. Best wishes with getting some answers.

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My husband was put on anxiety meds early on and he hated them. They gave him nightmares. He’s now 5years in and what is working for us is a simplified life and constant reassurance that I love him and will never leave him. Lots of kissing and hugging.

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@gpingley477

My husband was put on anxiety meds early on and he hated them. They gave him nightmares. He’s now 5years in and what is working for us is a simplified life and constant reassurance that I love him and will never leave him. Lots of kissing and hugging.

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gpingley477 I care for my husband of 60 years who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Your description, "what is working for us is a simplified life and constant reassurance that I love him and will never leave him. Lots of kissing and hugging" describes my experience as well. Thank you for sharing.

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@gpingley477

My husband was put on anxiety meds early on and he hated them. They gave him nightmares. He’s now 5years in and what is working for us is a simplified life and constant reassurance that I love him and will never leave him. Lots of kissing and hugging.

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Hear hear! I agree - that's the best medicine - my husband's on the same. Not "getting better", but content and secure .

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Yes my wife was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dememtia about 4 years ago. I am sure it started before that. The first test she took it lasted maybe 1.5 hrs. About 2 years later the second test took 4 hours and don't think the results were very good. The past several months her memory and comprehension is almost impossible to deal with. She does not understand anything I try to explain to her. About the only answere she understands is Yes Or No and No is usually not a good answere for her. I want to continue to care for her but it is becoming very difficult for me. I get very little time to my self and her emotions are driving me crazy.

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@edj1950

Yes my wife was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dememtia about 4 years ago. I am sure it started before that. The first test she took it lasted maybe 1.5 hrs. About 2 years later the second test took 4 hours and don't think the results were very good. The past several months her memory and comprehension is almost impossible to deal with. She does not understand anything I try to explain to her. About the only answere she understands is Yes Or No and No is usually not a good answere for her. I want to continue to care for her but it is becoming very difficult for me. I get very little time to my self and her emotions are driving me crazy.

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That sounds exhausting and very stressful. Dementia symptoms vary in people and some types are particularly challenging to manage. Some require medication to address mental anguish the dementia is causing. Can you ask her doctor about it?

Can you get help with her care? Have you considered placement? While some people with dementia have symptoms that a caretaker can manage in the home, it’s not feasible with some situations. The persistent need for direction, resistance to care and emotional instability can be overwhelming. Can you speak with her doctor about that? And, explore options for her care?

Reaching out for help is a good thing. What about respite care so you can rest and figure out what might work in the near future? Best of luck with things. I know how stressful it can be.

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