Spouse with MCI attempts to improve his memory test score.

My husband was taking the test and he admitted to me afterwards, that when it was time for the clock hands he was thankful he had his watch on because he couldn’t recall how to do the hands! I mentioned it casually to the doctor and we both kind of agreed it was okay because he problem solved!

Interesting that he knew enough or remembered to practice online. The good news is he remembered to do that. The bad news is that he may have, for now, avoided the issue, and therefore you can't treat early what you don't know. A trip to the neurologist might be in his best interest sooner than later.
Best, Karla

@kjc48 yes, I agree. It was his neurologist who gave him the test. He was having a good day when he took it, so that is a blessing and now the doctor knows he tries to improve the outcome too.

Good, I'm glad he went to the neurologist. The even better news is that you have him in your line of sight and so does the neurologist so you can get to whatever is going on sooner than later.
Wow, with all of this we have to be one step ahead - at all times.
Best, Karla

It’s frustrating but also kind of amusing. This is one test you don’t want him to prepare for, just let his natural state show. But years of teachers and parents drilling into us that we must prepare for tests clearly stays with us for a while! My father is at the stage where he wouldn’t think to prepare, wouldn’t know how to prepare and couldn’t store and retrieve his research. A big hug to you both ❤️‍🩹

I have been taking my husband to get neurologist every 6 months and she only gives the test once a year or 2. And he doesn’t know when it will happen. That being said, I’ve cancelled his latest appointment and I question why I’m even taking him at all. She doesn’t prescribe anything and she’s just monitoring him. We all know this disease progresses. It’s just another appointment I have to take him to, which is stressful for both of us.

You are exactly right. I feel the same way. We go to the neurologist twice a year for the same test to “monitor” his MCI. Problem is, he is not the same every day. Sometimes he has really bad days and some are good enough to beat the test. I asked about this recently and the NP told me that it the purpose of the tests was “to determine whether it was Alzheimer’s related MCI or not,” but it is yet another test 90 miles from home which adds more stress to him. I am considering an apartment in the city where receive medical treatment for the future. I am grateful he is still a MCI diagnosis and whatever comes I am prepared. Thank you all for your ear. ❤️

@leslieherbert You have just reinforced thoughts in my mind. My sister is in a hospital/university evaluation program with all of docs and tests. Appointments are booked well in advance and stretched out. I have a situation of caregiving x 2 which means I had to reschedule some of her appointments, more waiting. In the meantime she has rapidly declined. She had to move from independent living to assisted living, and just this week memory care has been advised. I haven’t rescheduled her appt with the neurologist and have had the same thoughts. It’s a long drive, heavy traffic, will take pretty much a day for the travel and testing, and the testing is stressful for both of us. Like you, I am questioning this stressful testing process - why? is it going to help anything? She already takes Lexapro and Namenda.

My husband is the same. He tries to focus all discussions and appointments on past accomplishments.

Truly there is not a whole lot of point in continuing with testing and appts. There is no magic cure for cognitive decline. My spouse has good days and bad. In social situations most people don’t notice.