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All brain scans good: Could my husband still have dementia?
My husband had carotid artery checked, Cat scan of brain AND SPECT scan. All came back good. Could he still have dementia. He is 89.
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I'm hoping to do that soon. The Civid virus makes me hesitant to take him out of house but I think I will soon.
Thank you for your reply
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1 ReactionI am not a dr but I am going through the same thing with my mother, all her tests came back ok. But her cognitive issues are very evident. She is confused, thinks it is 1990s and is very mean and paranoid, all of which are signs of dementia My first course of action is to push a good diet and see what happens. I think a lot has to do with diet and exercise, when she was alone she didnt eat right or take care of herself. But I still think their are brain issues
My husband has just started the journey at Mayo. Since 2010 I started noticing changes in Bill that started concerning me. But nobody else noticed anything wrong and they were only very occasional.
By 2013 his anger was frightening, out of control, and had no apparent causes. He got terribly mad over a new jar of peanut butter, claiming it was bad - doing that with more and more food, and demanding I throw them away.
A year later we were in KY and the doctor there put him on Sertraline and it made a world of difference in the anger problem. At least for the moment. By this time he could hardy get out of his recliner and wouldn't attend any social events - even with family. He also continued to get worse with using a computer, DVD, etc. Hearing problem cropped up - hearing music that wasn't there - full songs, classical music, etc. some voices. Had me constantly checking the house and mad when I couldn't hear it. Hearing checked and told he had musical tinnitus.
Also he was getting lost more often (he had always been good at directions before).
By the end of 2019 we were in AZ - he did the driving (got lost quite a few times) and I monitored his driving the whole way. Once we were here he seemed quite glad to leave the driving to me or daughter - something he never would have done before.
All his chairs tilting to the right as he slumps that direction now. Falls started. Slurring of speech. Memory problems much worse. And God help him with computer, phone, remote - anything technical. He still demands to use his computer and do his blogs (he has written 20 books). As long as he is activity writing he seems to do okay. Otherwise problems with words and remembering people - like a son!
This year we finally got him to agree to go to Mayo. He has CKD (kidney stage 3) and can't make it to the bathroom in time (starting back in KY). Now is willing to wear Depends - before just kept on wet shorts/undies no matter what I said or did.
Anger is now worse.
And good days followed by bad - back and forth like a yoyo. Add paranoid into the the mix plus he wants me with him constantly.
Mayo is trying to get the anger issues under control with meds. Also trying to help with the sleeping issues. An appointment being set for his CKD.
Blood pressure was maintained with meds for decades - not it is dropping to 92/57. Low heart beat - think it is 58 BPM now.
So many of his symptoms seem like those listed for Lewy. Will be interesting to see what the doctors determine after all the testing. In the meantime I'm going from day to day - with a sense of humor most of the time.
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4 ReactionsHello @billchitwood
I'm glad that your husband is being evaluated at Mayo. I'm sure maintaining a day-to-day routine is difficult under the circumstances.
If you are interested in a Connect discussion about LBD, here is a link to a discussion, "I was recently diagnosed with LBD with Parkinsonism: Any advice?"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recent-lbd-diagnosis/.
You mentioned sleeping issues. Many people with LBD and other dementia-related disorders are helped with time-release melatonin.
Have you tried this? If not, you might check with his doctor at his next appointment to see if this could be added.
Hello @adv,
It has been a while since you last posted. How is your husband doing? You mentioned in your last post that you were hoping he would see a geriatric specialist. Were you able to get an appointment?
He tried melatonin and it didn't help at all. He was on other sleep meds through the years but still had sleep problems.
He just almost fell getting out of his lift chair (not using the lift). He is now headed for bed (4:30pm). Doctors want him to move around and get more exercise ( he is 89) but he basically has refused for decades. One excuse or another. As they told him, you rest you rust.
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1 Reaction@billchitwood
Hi Julie,
It sounds as if you are doing all of the right things. Encouraging someone requires cooperation and that may be too difficult for him given his health issues.
I hope you find some answers as you meet with his doctors. When will you have the results of his evaluation?
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1 ReactionNot until late September most likely - doing a major test on the 20th of September. I just have a habit of researching things as I want to "know"!
His CKD can also be tied into so many other health issues.
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1 ReactionYes, CKD is probably affecting other areas of his health and behavior.
Keep posting as you have concerns and need a place to vent. We will offer support and encouragement for you as you make this journey with your husband.
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