Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) Diagnosis

I started with my husband's primary care doctor who gave him a basic question and answer memory test. From the results, she suggested he see a neurologist. Once in with the neurologist, he gave him a series of questions, and "do a certain set of things" test, which resulted in an MRI and Pet Scan. Then the diagnosis of MCI. From that point, because my husband was in the mild stages, and could still do things on his own on home - although he was forgetful, had sequencing issues, and couldn't remember things, and/or would lose, things - the neurologist put him on lequembe infusions to slow the Amyloid plaque growth down. He's on his 17th infusion this coming Monday, with one more to go before he goes on Maintenance. I would suggest you see a neurologist in the Phoenix area, and/or see if you can get into Mayo Clinic, with your primary care's referral. As for her getting combative, that's the disease. It's not worth fighting over. Keep the peace, take her to Mayo Clinic or some specialized medical care for "memory loss" where they can help diagnosis what she has, and more importantly. if in the early stages, what you can do. Best, Karla

My husband and I also live in the Phoenix area and are loyal Mayo patients.
He was diagnosed at Mayo with Alzheimer's in 2012. But if we were just starting on this journey, I would head straight to Barrow's Neurological Center in Phoenix. They are doing amazing things. I've gone to several Alzheimer's Consorsums here in town put on by Barrow's and others, including Mayo.
Trisha

@trishaanderson How lucky are we as caregivers to share advice to all of us writing these threads. It's hard to know what to do and when. I love the post Barrow's Neurological Center in Phoenix (that specialized place). I'm not sure we have that in South Florida where I live but I'm going to check.
Thanks, Karla

I had the same problem with my husband in the beginning. You need to talk to her pcp, express your concerns, and request a memory test. If she is 65 and older, then her pcp should do this every year. She may not want to go to the doctor. My mom told me her pcp started last year with a memory test with her(my mom is good). If she has an annual wellness coming up, then it’s best you go to that appointment. Call first and express your concerns. Your wife will need to list you on a hipaa release form from the doctor as well to talk to you about any of her medical issues.

It was difficult in the beginning for my husband to get tested. Do you have a will and other legal paperwork done? If this test comes back with memory decline, then you need to start that process quickly.
I’m a certified dementia practitioner. It’s best to know early on so you can talk to your family and make plans and decisions now.

Any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Hope this helps,

Bonnie

What is a certified dementia practitioner? My husband refuses to get tested because he is from a different culture. He has also told me he doesn’t want me to go to his doctor’s appointments anymore. I found thee are very few doctors who have or take the time to explore memory issues. It is easier for me to stop trying to get him to face what is going on with his cognitive and other impairments, because he gets very angry. I would suggest support groups, therapy, meditation, any kind of self care for someone who is dealing with dementia and/or other diseases that lead to limitations.

Certified dementia practitioner, CDP, demonstrate a professional standard recognized across the nation for its quality and depth of education. You have to be a healthcare professional to go for this certification along with training. This is the website more about the certified dementia practitioner:
https://www.nccdp.org/how-to-become-a-certified-dementia-practitioner/
I found a website I hope with help you to get your spouse tested:
https://compassioncrossing.info/supporting-a-loved-one-in-denial-steps-to-seek-a-dementia-diagnosis/
Do you have a rapport with his doctor? You can call and express your concerns. Tell the doctor that he won’t go and get tested, and answer about their thoughts on how to move forward.

I’m sorry you are going through this. I took me almost a year for my husband to get diagnosis.

I got my CDP, because I was so frustrated that there was no resources or training so I went to find the training and resources. I’m passionate in helping others and advocating for care partners and their people that are living with dementia.

@kjc48 Karla, have you seen an improvement with your husband cognitive state since taking the infusions?

@labrown I'd like to say that everything is better. But I'm not sure. There are days, that are obviously better than others. What I do notice is that he doesn't seem to lose his phone or keys, or black knapsack as much, since he is putting that in the same place, and he remembers that place. But on the PC the other night, he was really confused, so it goes up and down. He still has trouble sequencing thoughts, or working through detail on things, with delayed thinking. Some days are better than others. He's on his 18th infusion next week, I'm wondering when the doctor sees him again, but now they are telling me with Lequembe it's 18 months of infusions (36 lequembe infusions) so I'm going to write his doctor a note in the portal, to see if there is a midway, meeting with the doctor. Best, Karla

@labrown I can't remember if your spouse is on these infusions. If so, seen any progress? Best, Karla

@kjc48 No, the infusions have never been mentioned by his neurologist. I don’t know if it’s because they are not offered in our town, or area or if he thinks my husband would not benefit. I am curious to know, though, if they seem to be helping anyone?