Connect
← Return to What is the benefit of a Neuropsychological testing?
Discussion
What is the benefit of a Neuropsychological testing?
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Sep 5, 2023 | Replies (38)Comment receiving replies
My wife, 77 yrs old had progressive memory loss for last few years. Recently her physician during her annual wellness examination did cognitive test for memory with typical testing with Clock & time and three word repeat test for memory. She failed both. Her eldest sister died of Alzheimer's disease. She (my wife) had a MRI of brain showed mild atrophy. Her Doctor 6 months ago started her on Aricept which she is tolerating well . May be she is little better and takes care of herself and regular chores sometime may be not very correctly. She has refused Neuropsychological tests which doctor asked for recent visit.. I am a retired physician. I know what to expect. So far we live independently with no problems. At this stage I really not sure what we can accomplish with additional testing. Do you agree or have any comments?
Replies to "My wife, 77 yrs old had progressive memory loss for last few years. Recently her physician..."
Hello @doclax I'm Scott and I'm glad you found Mayo Connect. I found Connect when I was struggling to find solid support/advice for me as a long-term caregiver.
My wife fought a war with brain cancer for 14 1/2 years with many of her symptoms being similar to those of dementia patients, such as was the case with my MIL. Her neuro docs also recommended neuropsych testing for her and while it was not her favorite part of her visits, she did agree to do them. In talking to her when she was deciding, she told me there were two things that motivated her to do them. First, she knew the results helped me, as her caregiver, understand where things stood and what changes had occurred since the last test. Kind of a road map of where we were and how fast or in what direction we were now headed. It did help me as kind of an early-warning system for what might be coming our way. Her second motivation was the fact she was treated at Mayo and as a teaching hospital, she hoped her results would someday help other patients, doctors, researchers, and caregivers in similar situations to hers.
I know every patient and their journeys are unique, but I share my wife's experiences in the hopes it will help someone along the line here.
Strength, Courage, & Peace
Connect
Hello:
I am am Lewy Body dementia patient. Early onset - diagnosed at 57. Now 3 years into it.
It’s great that your wife can help with things. I get a good feelin when i feel that i have contributed.
For me - the neuropsych tests are used to
1) look at the areas of the brain that are involved - for me executive functioning is the main area with deficits in other areas which can help steer toward one diagnosis
2) track progression - I have progressed from mild impairment to moderate impairment
At some point, you have to think of putting themselves through hours of testing annually. This is on my mind as well at this point.
Stay safe and well.
Larry H.