Dementia terminology

Posted by jehjeh @jehjeh, Sep 29 3:05pm

My husband is definitely impaired. No short term memory, confused about long ago events even. Tells doctors he can dress, bathe, do most things on his own when I must do everything for him. Brain scan more than a year ago showed significant damage but no one explained what it all means. He can't draw a clock, remember the 5 words ( last time he didn't remember there were 5 words to remember. He used to get 1 or 2) so much more but I won't go on.

I see others post about MCI, Lewy body dementia, something vascular.... What does all this mean and how did your loved one get a diagnosis? PCP is caring but not very helpful. If hubby knows I suspect dementia he won't handle it well. Can I i get him tested without him knowing why? He hates the cognitive tests because he feels like he's failing an exam.

I feel stuck!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

celia16 | @celia16 | Sep 29 4:57pm

Have you looked at husband’s medical records to see what’s in the notes and summary? And, his listed diagnosed conditions? I believe all healthcare providers are required by law to make patient’s records available online a few days after the visit. Registering on the medical office’s portal or chart makes it easy to send messages, view tests results, even schedule appointments.

Somehow, my cousin’s primary knew her dementia was caused by multiple strokes. I’m not sure how. I followed up with a neurologist to get an MRI and neurological exam to rule out brain tumor, vitamin deficiency, etc. The neurologist did detailed neurological exam and viewed MRI.

I’m no expert, but it’s my understanding that:
I think Cognitive decline is a generic term for decline from various causes. Dementia is when tne decline has progressed more significantly. Both may be caused by different things, such as Alzheimer’s. It can cause cognitive decline and later dementia.

Strokes may cause both too and is often called vascular dementia.
Other conditions are Frontotemporal, Lewy bodies, Vitamin deficiencies, etc.

I wanted to know the cause in case there was something we could do to help.

jehjeh | @jehjeh | Sep 30 10:07am

In reply to @celia16 "Have you looked at husband’s medical records to see what’s in the notes and summary? And,..." + (show)

Thank you, this is very helpful. I'll look for those chart notes today. I've seen test results but never thought to look for the doctor's notes.

I, too, would like to know the cause. I would hate to learn later that it was something that could be helped with treatment.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 4 8:02pm

@jehjeh, it sounds like you're looking into understanding the different types of dementia and the names associated with them. Dementia is an umbrella term. It's a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities. In people who have dementia, the symptoms interfere with their daily lives. Dementia isn't one specific disease. Several diseases can cause dementia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013

You might find this chart helpful
- Understanding Different Types of Dementia https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/understanding-different-types-dementia

While each type is caused by something slightly different happening in the brain and the symptoms may differ a bit, no single test can diagnose dementia. It is likely that a need a number of tests that can help pinpoint the problem.

@tunared started this discussion that you might find helpful.
- What is the benefit of a Neuropsychological testing?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-is-the-benefit-of-a-neuropsychological-testing/
Like you, he was looking for experiences of whether testing is necessary and how to manage getting a loved one tested.

@jehjeh, are you able to speak to your husband's doctor about your concerns?