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Brain MRI
I was referred to a Neurologist due to memory problems, i had an MRI done and was started on B12 injections. the Dr. thinks my memory problems are due to stress, he could be right !
The result of the MRI is that I have " a bit of hardening of the small arteries, but not a great deal of it. Otherwise the brain looks pretty good, particularly including the memory centers of the brain. There is no evidence of large strokes nor of anything pressing on the brain." He gave me general good health tips to follow and to take one baby aspirin a day, and reduce my stress. I've had two brothers die of cancer , the last was this past August of brain cancer. However I am not particularly worried about this since I've had the MRI which shows no problem other than the arteries.
I'm just wondering if anyone has had a similar problem and if their advice was any different . Is what I have the same as TIA's, or something of a lessor degree.
Thanks for any comments that you may have.
Emy.
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Attention is critical for effective memory storage. Its also important for the retrieval of memories.
Healthy sleep habits are also essential for both storing and retrieving memories.
Stress management is crucial. Stress can cause brain cells to malfunction as well as kill them. It can also damage the capillaries and cause brain shrinkage.
Take care,
Jake
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3 ReactionsMy husband’s neurologist ordered neuropsychological testing to diagnose mild cognitive impairment. The testing indicated his strengths and problems that have allowed development of a program to help preserve his cognitive wellness. He will attend Mayo’s Habit Program in January. His issues are very slight currently & we are working with his Mayo team to keep it this way for as long as possible. He is still able to participate in a very normal life ranging from managing financial details, driving, ADLs, selling on eBay and enjoying friends and family.. .
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6 ReactionsGET A 2ND OPINION BARB MY GRANDFATHER HAD HARDING OF ARTERIES ITS NOT SOMETHIG TO BE IGNORED TAKE CARE
It sounds as if your husband’s MCI is being well managed by you, your husband and a team of professionals. My husband was diagnosed with the same after an unprovoked, unexpected violent domestic dispute two years ago including MRI, memory clinic, complete physical, geriatric psychiatrist etc. However, he is in complete denial and thinks I have a problem. Because of the pandemic lockdowns in our area I have had to spend much time with him and provide copious stimulation. His situation has improved as a result and I am trying to manage my stress level, not
always successfully. He also has a hearing problem and refuses to wear his hearing aids. This has exacerbated the situation. When we are fully vaccinated, we (I) will be able to travel, at least to visit our children who are helpful now from a distance, of course. Any suggestions? Our local Alzheimer group is helpful to me with tips.
Many thanks.
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1 ReactionAbsolutely get support—by Zoom if you can not leave him. . .
We are lucky to have an excellent Denentia Support group within our gated community. They provided so much support when my Mother was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia.
If you can afford it get help so you can have time for you away from your husband OR he can have time. Mother’s caregiver would take Mother on excursions to get her nails done or out for lunch. You have to care for yourself.
Hi Beleza, I'm so glad that you posted about your husband's denial and unprovoked violent tendencies. I encourage you to follow and join the discussions in this group:
- Caregivers: Dementia https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers-dementia/
Denial is not uncommon and I know that you can connect with others in this discussion:
- Yelling and overtalking by husband https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/yelling-and-overtalking-by-husband/
Please post there and I'll introduce you to others.
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2 Reactionsi wonder what the side effects are for the dye that is injected into your brain, when they MRI it.
my wife had a brain MRI & subsequent to that had some weird effects. itching/flushing, took several weeks to stop.
not sure if there is a causal connection? but would like to know how many others have had any side effects , possibly from dye???
Generally speaking the colorless contrast agent allows enhancement of the image of key brain components in order to arrive at the most accurate diagnoses.
The reactions a minority of people might experience include itching, sometime hives, and headaches. The symptoms usually clear up pretty quickly but hydrating more than usual might help flush it out. If they persist I’d call my Dr.
Hope she feels better!!
Del
Now this of course is just a thought hardening of the arteries is basically when plaque builds up in the different artery walls when you have a brain MRI they usually look at the arteries leading to your brain. So when he wasn't any more concerned than to start you on a baby aspirin that is so you do not get a TIA or stroke. TIA would have been thought to have happened if they had seen areas of what I think is called white matter, where there is damage that has already occurred. If you were having memory problems your doctor wanted to make sure that wasn't the case. Hardening of the arteries depending on age is commonly found, the Mayo Clinic has so much info about it, and is easy to look up. Also Some neurology departments, if you live near a medical school, have memory testing - It takes about 2 hours and it can gauge if your memory falls within the norms it would be a good bench marker for later if it is available for future comparison which if you are still having problems you would have someplace to start. Take care.