Early stage memory loss and MCI lack of medical attention

You are very lucky. For someone who had so many friends and so much family as a young man I am amazed at the lack of empathy when someone is ill. If family steps up you are very lucky. I finally send some current helpful information about Alzheimer's out to close family and was offered some help as we can no longer drive long distances and most family gatherings are held too far away. I did get some offers of help with a specific request: driving. I have always been the "capable" one and others see me as being able to "handle it". I am sad for the loss of friends and family.

Persistence seems to be the key. It is a conflict because it requires an early diagnosis for medications that may help and MCI doesn't always progress into Alzheimer's. We just learned that our Neurologist is leaving and he is number three after two that retired. With an aging population we are without enough medical care for ongoing disease it seems.

You have every right to be angry.
I came to Mayo and have received another type of PET scan. They have diagnosed Parkinsonism as well as Alzheimer's and very probably Lewy Body Disease. You need good diagnoses if you want to be able to plan your life. I highly recommend going to a major hospital with a good reputation in neurology, such as Mayo or University of California at San Francisco. Early on I went to Stanford and had repeated written and verbal testing done, always to be told I was exceptional for my age. Hahaha! If you are highly functional, you can ace these tests and still have Alzheimer's. They never suggested a PET scan. If you are back East, you might look into the Cleveland Clinic to avoid long travel times. You, unfortunately, may have to wait a good while. It took me 7 months to get into Mayo Rochester. This country has an inadequate number of good neurologists to deal with all of the aging population. The whole state of Idaho has only 7 total.
I have chronic pain as well, but mine is not severe and I can control it pretty well with 2 Arthritis Tylenol b.i.d.
I wish you the best of luck.

My husband also did well with the neurologist’s ten minute cognitive tests. I persisted and had them refer him to a neuropsychologist for testing. There was a six month wait and the testing took around 3 hours. The psychologist listened to my concerns and what I saw happening. It took another month to get the proper diagnosis. It is more than MCI and now I hope the medical doctors will take his anxiety and memory problems more seriously.

Same. But what can be done from a practical standpoint? There is no treatment.

Even if there's no treatment for dementia, yet, I believe it's helpful to know what we're dealing with. When my husband began showing signs of decline, I wasn't sure what was happening. Was I imagining or exaggerating things? It helped when friends told me they saw the same things I did, but getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer's was very clarifying. If you know more or less what you're dealing with, you can plan for the future.

Any advise for a caregiver who has a wife that really doesn’t accept or acknowledge her decline along with anxiety and depression. A

My husband doesn't accept or acknowledge his condition either and I don't know quite how to handle it. When he asked me why he was going to a neurologist, I told him it was because of Alzheimer's, which he emphatically denied. I don't know if it's better for him to remain in ignorance or not, so I just go along as normally as I can. It's a lot for me to deal with, but friends and even strangers have been very kind...and patient, which is something I'm working on. I, too, would appreciate any advice about this denial.

Sounds like we are in somewhat of the same situation. My wife has been diagnosed with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment). Further left on the continuum to Dementia,

@rugbymom @bbcatmom @steilacoomcaregiver @davejr @ctz25 @pamela78 @bstahl

I feel for all of you. I am dealing with my ex husband (who is 60 years old now, I’m 56) who has ADHD, autism, and early onset Alzheimer’s (his mom had this starting in her 40s). We have been divorced over 13 years but we have a minor son together (he just turned 16). We both do not have any family or friends that are close (geographically and relationally) who are willing to help. I am the full legal guardian for my son and full time provider (he lives with me 100% of the time) despite me being physically disabled and unemployed. I am dealing with my ex being in denial of his decline and I am the only one who sees it (our son is noticing more as he gets older). My ex has been “tested” by a neurologist saying he is “fine” and in the past, they missed his ADHD and autism diagnoses but my ex was retested years later when our son was diagnosed with ADHD (my intuition diagnosed my mother in law and my ex way before the “healthcare” system did. The divorce was due to all of the stress and lack of understanding/acceptance/proper diagnosis/treatment of his conditions. Now, I have no idea how to deal with this situation because my son is too young, my ex has no family or friends, I am disabled (spinal cord injury) and limited physically (despite coming out of a recent deep depression, my mental abilities are still pretty good). All I can do is pray and prepare as much as possible to deal with the future as best as possible. I am a caregiver who needs a caregiver but do not have one.

Here is what AI suggested when prompted:
“Navigating the challenges of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's symptoms can be particularly difficult when there is a denial of symptoms, inadequate diagnosis, and a lack of support from family and friends. Here’s a detailed overview of the situation, including potential steps to take for diagnosis, treatment options, and coping strategies for both patients and caregivers.
Understanding the Situation
Denial of Symptoms:
It’s common for both patients and caregivers to experience denial regarding cognitive decline. This can stem from fear, stigma, or a lack of understanding about the conditions.
Family members may also struggle to accept changes, leading to further isolation for the patient.
Challenges in Diagnosis:
Many patients face difficulties in obtaining a proper diagnosis due to limited access to neurologists or specialists.
Symptoms of MCI and Alzheimer's can be subtle and may be dismissed as normal aging, leading to frustration for those affected.
Isolation and Emotional Impact:
The loss of friends and family connections can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
Caregivers often experience their own emotional toll, including anxiety and depression, as they navigate the complexities of caregiving.
Steps for Diagnosis and Treatment
Seeking Professional Help:
Primary Care Physician: Start with a visit to a primary care physician who can conduct initial assessments and refer to specialists if necessary.
Neurologists and Memory Clinics: If possible, seek out neurologists or memory clinics that specialize in cognitive disorders. They can provide comprehensive evaluations and tailored treatment plans.
Cognitive Testing:
Request cognitive assessments that can help identify the extent of memory and cognitive issues. This may include standardized tests and questionnaires.
Imaging and Biomarkers:
Brain imaging (MRI or PET scans) can help identify changes associated with Alzheimer's. Discuss the possibility of these tests with a healthcare provider.
Medication Options:
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, certain medications may help manage symptoms. Discuss potential options with a healthcare provider.
Therapeutic Interventions:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This can help address anxiety and depression, providing coping strategies for both patients and caregivers.
Occupational Therapy: This can assist in developing strategies to manage daily activities and improve quality of life.
Coping Strategies for Patients and Caregivers
Education and Advocacy:
Educate yourself and your family about MCI and Alzheimer's. Understanding the conditions can help in advocating for appropriate care and support.
Share educational resources with family and friends to foster empathy and understanding.
Support Groups:
Joining support groups for both patients and caregivers can provide a sense of community and shared experiences. These groups can be found online or through local organizations.
Communication:
Openly communicate with family and friends about your experiences and needs. This can help bridge the gap in understanding and support.
Encourage family members to participate in educational sessions or workshops about cognitive impairment.
Mental Health Support:
Seek professional help for anxiety and depression. Therapists can provide valuable coping strategies and emotional support.
Caregivers should also prioritize their mental health, as caregiving can be emotionally taxing.
Routine and Structure:
Establishing a daily routine can provide stability and reduce anxiety for both patients and caregivers.
Use memory aids, such as calendars, reminders, and checklists, to help manage daily tasks.
Conclusion
Struggling with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's symptoms can be a daunting journey, especially when faced with denial, inadequate diagnosis, and a lack of support. Taking proactive steps to seek proper diagnosis and treatment, along with utilizing coping strategies and support systems, can significantly improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. If you or someone you know is facing these challenges, it’s essential to reach out to healthcare professionals who can provide guidance and support tailored to individual need”