Why diagnose obvious MCI?

Hi, @s18 I'm Scott and in our case, diagnosis made a huge difference in how my wife was subsequently treated, what specialists she benefitted from, and what meds she could take for help.

On the purely practical side, without it, I'm sure our health insurance would have refused payment for many of her necessary medical interventions -- especially down the line when home hospice was available for her.

Just my two cents plain,

Strength, Courage, & Peace

Thank you for affirming what I had guessed. My partner doesn't want to be evaluated, but I think I can figure a way to get her there. I messaged her doctor to make the referral.

Having a diagnosis is important so the caregiver can prepare to some extent for what may come. With a diagnosis, the caregiver may know what meds to avoid too. In our case, my LO has LBD and avoiding certain types of medications is vital. Peace. Jan

One additional benefit: my partner’s evaluation not only identified the cognitive areas where she struggles, but also pinpointed areas where her cognitive abilities remain strong. For example, her reading comprehension score is super-high, although complex thinking, planning, sequencing, and multi-tasking (executive function) are impaired. This diagnostic info is helpful to both of us as we figure out how to adapt activities of daily life to be less frustrating. Each person’s cognition is unique and an in-depth evaluation can bring out the specifics.

I can relate. My LO reads a lot and enjoys it! But I had to take over her finances, day to day planning and much more. It is a confusing picture for me!

We avoided an evaluation, thinking it’s all “normal aging” until we could not deny that things were more and more off-anxiety w driving, leaving a meeting w our financial advisor or CPA and my husband not able to recall what was discussed- I took notes. Also spacial recognition - inability to help hang a mirror- my 92 year old neighbor helped hang it in a few minutes. I made appts for a Neuropsych eval but his PCP wanted him to see a geriatrician, sleep specialist and have cardiology exams. The latest MRI did show micro vascular changes.
So we went to the geriatrician. After 3 hours of interviews and testing w the social worker, the Dr. confirmed Mild Cognitive Impairment- not dementia yet- and since has ordered a speech therapist twice a week for cognitive development. My husband also had to have an extensive drivers test w an occupational therapist.
We also worked with two neuropsychologists.
It was a difficult year. Denial, anger, confusion and finally acceptance and moving forward. Traveling as much as time allows with time left to enjoy each other.
I have taken over all the finances and home management and planning.
Also all of these evaluations were covered by Medicare and our supplementary insurance because we have a documented diagnosis and plan.
Very important is to determine who you are seeing for the eval and who you will be following up with. Our doc was realistic but gentle and helpful.

I appreciate hearing about your journey and wish you well. Sometimes I catch myself thinking I am imagining the changes or at least, exaggerating them. Family and friends don't say anything. Do they no notice? Are they trying to be polite? I dread the conflict I anticipate in trying to get her to go to be evaluated. Sharon

Often the person with cognitive impairment showtimes. They can put on a good show for visitors and be exhausted when the visitors leave. My LO could “showtime” for a few days early on. He struggles now with speech. I can understand what he says about 3% of the time. The journey is long. Peace and blessings. Jan

Approach it gently and like any other illness. Once you have a diagnosis, you have direction and understanding. My husband felt better after and started telling everyone.

Thank you for sharing the details of your story. So much of it is like our story. The MCI diagnosis has motivated my husband to improve his exercise, change his eating, pay more attention to sleep and realize the social life is important too. It is amazing to me that he’s done this, despite the fact that he really doesn’t believe the MCI diagnosis. Maybe that doesn’t matter as long as he acts on it.

These past three months have been completely revamping our lives, so that I could take over the important finances and so much more. It is the first of January 2024 and I realize I need a support group so I can have someone to talk to about all this.