Early stage memory loss and MCI lack of medical attention

Neither neurologist asked me what I was observing or feeling, they just spoke with my husband. Of course he said he's fine and the same as always, he just forgets things every now and again like anyone. Not. And of course he said that, he doesn't know how much he forgets (because his short term memory is leaving) and he isn't aware of his shortcomings, duh. "Come back in 6 months" meant "I'm not going to so anything for 6 more months." Just because my husband did okay on a few drawings he's deemed okay, though he forgot anything they asked him to remember, even for a minute. I would have given them plenty of examples that described the decline had they asked because I have been keeping track. I mentioned MCI to one of them and he told me to stop self diagnosing. The other patients in both offices did have more severe issues so maybe MCI and memory loss just isn't a top priority, who knows. I got more info and help from the people who responded to my original post here than from the docs, sad to say.

My husband has been diagnosed with MCI as well. He primarily has short term memory issues with some long-term gaps. We are struggling to adapt and figure out how to help him.

We went to a neuropsych evaluation and they provided some additional resources for us. We are modifying his diet (eating cleaner and more quality food) and trying to have him exercise more. I notice a significant improvement in his clarity after goes swimming. It is a blessing to have him be himself for a little bit.

These resources were recommended. (We have not tried all of them yet as we got this evaluation 3 weeks ago):

Online Resources:
a. BrainHQ.com is a research-based program designed to engage the mind in brain
stimulating activities that involve memory, attention, processing speed, general
intelligence, and social skills.
b. For additional tips and resources for maintaining cognitive sharpness, the patient can visit
the AARP mental sharpness website "staying sharp" dot aarp dot com. (Sorry could not post the url).

Books that offer compensatory strategies and tools to support memory in daily activities:
a. The Memory Bible: An innovative strategy for keeping your brain young, by Dr. Gary
Small
b. Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory by Andrew E. Budson, MD and Maureen K.
O’Connor, PsyD

I hope this helps you, and best of luck as we go through this journey.

Thanks so helpful

Acceptance is always the key

Thank you, I often say The Serenity Prayer.

I face the same problem. Have they done a brain MRI on him. If not, insist on one. This woke my provider up. They still haven't done much more. The coroner for my mother gave vascular dementia as the cause of death--that helped. Out of frustration, my family doctor put me on Aricept which has been a great help, but I have also tested positive since then on an amyloid PET scan (my grandmother's diagnosis was Alzheimer's) so I don't know what is going on. In frustration I have had them refer me to Mayo and am now waiting for a response. Good luck.

I face the same problem. Have they done a brain MRI on him. If not, insist on one. The positive result woke my provider up. They still haven't done much more. The coroner for my mother gave vascular dementia as the cause of death--that helped. Out of frustration, my family doctor put me on Aricept which has been a great help, but I have also tested positive since then on an amyloid PET scan (my grandmother's diagnosis was Alzheimer's) so I don't know what is going on. In frustration I have had my neurologist refer me to Mayo and am now waiting for a response. I should mention that I am almost 83 and have had adverse reactions to around 55 medications, to date. I have had autoimmune problems since the 3rd grade. Good luck! I look to Mayo for better guidance and diagnosis than I have gotten in Idaho (which is almost nothing).

Hi. I am new to group. Group hugs 🫂 🤗. Your feed ponderously found its way into my emails. I felt compelled to open, and read.
I have suffered from symptoms for some years now only worsening over the last six months with some failed back surgery. I developed what is called a 'pseudomeningeocele' (sp?) after surgery with shunt implantation.
High functioning, overachiever, type A personality who was my own best motivator but my own worst enemy, I have been misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and have disdain for mental health specialists. However, I know I suffer from MDD, and ADHD, as well as severe anxiety but can only be treated for effectively treated for depression as I am also treated for severe chronic pain.
So, after this last surgery, I began to notice a significant change in personality, as did my spouse. My speech changed, as I struggled to find words; and forming them was no longer easy. My spouse declares not to notice the speech. I can't work due to the physical impairment. And I rarely leave the house.
Finding this group opens some questions. I do not have an open dialogue with my caregiver. I am in a bit of a quandary. Suggestions? Rural area. Thank you. BBCatMom

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect @bbcatmom . I’m glad you found this group. They are not medical professionals, but have so much experience! A few questions first:
What was your last surgery? Does the surgeon know of the sudden change in your speech? You live in a rural area—is your doctor the only one available?
I’ll probably have more questions but I’ll give the members a chance to get to know you! Again, welcome!

Thank you @becsbuddy . My unsuccessful surgery was the last of Mar, 2025. During removal of lumbar stitches, CSF fluid began to leak from stitching holes. PA caught and when finally got Dr in room only pressure dressing was applied for weekend and I was sent home.
Next was drain where I had to be inpatient Neuro ICU for over 2 weeks mostly flat and immobile which is worst enemy for person with mobility issues. Didn't work. Shunt placement first week of May and I went home day after.
Believe me, I am quite vocal. Told health care workers, which I am one, that I thought I was having mini focal seizures and hallucinations and Dr. and PA and was disregarded all around. Could not even get adequate pain management after surgery which is why I asked to be discharged home after a half day and night of tears.
I have a new Neuro Physician looking at my case now for pain management. Have full spine MRI hopefully next week with brain scan already approved by ins whereas 6 calls between surgeon and previous scanner and they haven't even requested the just lumbar scan he promised since May 3rd.
I'm sorry. This is so fresh and I just ramble on and on. I'm just so angry.