Our trip to Mayo Neurology in Rochester went well. Every employee was kind and knowledgeable. My husband’s first day was filled with appointments, starting with a brain MRI. We met with the neurologist that afternoon. The doctor was fantastic and asked my husband a series of non threatening questions and then eased into a series of cognitive test questions. It was decided at that point that three of the tests scheduled for the next day were unnecessary. The staff rearranged my husband’s schedule and we were able to head home a day early.
During our first visit with the neurologist, we were told that my husband is in the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s and cannot drive a car or boat. The doctor also discussed getting our estate in order. During that visit, husband was shutting down after a long day. I messaged the doctor that evening to fill the gaps regarding my husband’s condition and behavioral changes. The doctor answered first thing in the morning and thanked me for reaching out. On day two my husband had a glucose pet scan. That scan determined that he is in the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s with Anosognosia. Before we left for home, we met with a social worker, she was fantastic and gave us some coping skills, diet ideas and ideas to keep our minds sharp. The social worker told my husband to tell family and friends. She wanted him to get used to saying the word Alzheimer’s.
Our second visit with the neurologist was via video chat. He prescribed Namenda and took my husband off his supplement because it contains gilgbo.
We were told that my husband will not have any more brain scans or tests for dementia. I found our experience at Mayo Clinic fantastic and that my husband had a thorough examination regarding his condition.
The Anosognosia diagnosis makes sense. My husband keeps saying that he felt well going to Mayo and feels great now. He has no idea of what he cannot do. He does not try to do the things he used and does not understand that it is not normal for me to do his tasks. Surprisingly my husband asked to surrender his driver’s license and did so without a fight. There have been a few times he mentioned that he lost his independence and is frustrated he cannot come and go like he used to. I am sure as time goes on, we will get in a routine until his condition starts getting worse(again).
This stage has been much more pleasant than the last. I am going to enjoy each moment as I know that things will not always be smooth.
My husband is taking 10mg Aricept and 10mg Namenda daily. My husband is reacting to the Namenda well and has more energy. I am afraid to add the additional 5 mg to his morning dose for fear that his energy level will turn manic, so I am going to wait another week.
I have been pretty emotional since we got back. I am relieved that we finally have a diagnosis and sad for what our future looks like.