These 3 Doctors Diagnose Dementia

[@lindy170]

A primary doctor told me my husband had frontal dementia. I said how can someone get dementia in one week. We went to see a Neurologist at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. 4-hour appointment with a team of doctors and students. He had an Ischemic Stroke. Highly recommend Tufts in Boston.

[@mickeeia]

You are such a Godsend! I have a Mom with Dementia and it is killing me to see her 'Trapped' in her own world😢😢. Please keep giving hope💖💖!

[@DementiaCareblazers]

It is all of you Careblazers that help make that world they live in a little better of a place.

[@victoriajohnson3034]

I would recommend that people see all of these you mentioned to get a real understanding.

[@alumpyhorse]

excellent video as always. commenting for the algorithm; everyone with questions about dementia should know about Dr. Natali!

[@DementiaCareblazers]

You are so sweet! Thank you!

[@edwardb7811]

My loved one had an annual physical but the primary care physician did not suspect or diagnose dementia. I noticed cognition and memory problems. I arranged a screening test at a memory disorder clinic, which then resulted in further cognition and medical tests and a diagnosis. I bet it is pretty common for relatives, colleagues and friends to be the first to notice deficits. I wonder why the MoCA and similar screening tests aren't routinely requested or given by the PCP, particularly to senior citizens.

[@victoriajohnson3034]

Neuro/psych eval answered alot of questions for us. Better understanding of what was going on.

[@patriciastarkey4951]

Thank you for today. My mom with Alzheimer’s has all of these doctors except a neuropsychologist.

[@Mary-qw6sm]

Excellent information. All 3 professionals were involved in my husband's diagnosis.

[@thundergod97]

So I already knew the answers before watching the video. My dad was diagnosed by his PCP...and in his last visit, his PCP very clearly performed the screening test to test for dementia. He had already referred him to a Neurologist at that point, but the appointment for him was 6 months off from the time of the referral. At the time of the screening test he referred to him a Neuropsychologist. And last week, we got an update that an opening for the Neurologist became available and it got moved from October 10th to the 26th of this month. He was on track to getting help soon. Unfortunately, my dad started turning hostile and violent on me this Sunday...and I ended up putting him in the hospital. After much hostility, one police call by me, and some shoving and threats of violence by him....we had an incident. He surprised me after coming in from mowing the lawn....shoved me back into a corner, I responded defensively and pushed him back to get him off me. Well, he lost his balance and hit the tile floor hard on his left side. Ambulance call and he was at the hospital. End result was a broken rib on his left side. Much better than I feared when it happened. I was thinking multiple ribs, broken arm, dislocated shoulder, possible head trauma, and maybe a punctured lung. In the past 3 days I probably saw him less than 5 minutes between the two visits I've had with him. Both times he fairly quickly decided I should go. After talking with the doctor and a social worker, and them getting a psychiatrist involved in his care, the recommendation was made to transfer him to psychiatric hospital, where he is at now (he was transported last night, I visited just before he was set to leave). I want to get him help...and I don't know if this will help. His sister and I think maybe they can make adjustments to his meds to help him live at home. We both have our doubts. The one thing I fear is that between the incident after mowing (again...he initiated it) and him ending up in that psychiatric hospital, he will severely resent me for all that...and that I may have lost him to his anger at me. Lesson for others...push push push to get them the help from the 3 docs from this video (especially the last two). I don't think my dad is on a good path now, but I hope he can recover.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Thank you for sharing, wishing you the best in your caregiver journey!

[@kathym6603]

Sweetheart Natalie: Please drop the idea that your video's have been too long. Better you take your time and express your full thoughts as usual to your audience who is listening with all their heart. 🌾🍃🍁🍃🌾

[@DementiaCareblazers]

You are so sweet. Thank you.

[@alumpyhorse]

yes! i agree wholeheartedly

[@samuelvalverde3637]

Absolutely 😊

[@cathyellington7599]

I don’t know who said that about the length of your videos but the way I see it is just don’t watch if it is too long. I really find your videos informative and helpful. I am spending time with someone very special to me. I feel she might have dementia and watching your videos is helping me to understand and work with her in a constructive way. We have been BFF for 66 years and I don’t want to do anything to hurt our relationship.

[@tomlinn7227]

Dr. Natalie, one of your best videos. So helpful. Tom

[@ginaparvin562]

Appreciate your detail here. Thanks again.

[@tinatina13]

Thank you so much, I asked this question on another video’s comments and it’s incredibly helpful. I am looking forward to next week’s video. I want to help my LOWD as much as possible but I know she hates all the dr visits, and especially all the extra covid precautions and monitoring that has to be done in her Memory Care home after she leaves the facility for any reason. I’m trying to figure out what is even worthwhile at this point.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Next video will help give you some other helpful professionals. I do think it's important to question what is worthwhile. That is a valid question. I did a video on a similar question. You may find it helpful. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5SXoJ6oYquiiq8

[@monateru1712]

My job ended today. My aunt passed in her sleep this morning at age 98. I hope she knows I did my best.

[@brendanio1978]

Sorry for your loss. Im sure you done her proud.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you positive thoughts.

[@valoriegordon7362]

Sorry for your loss

[@moonmirza5]

I think she knows u did your best

[@stacieboucher1570]

Job well done good and faithful servant!”

[@mikewolfe5313]

My father absolutely refuses to see a neurologist despite advice of his family, his PCP, his VA caseworker, and even his ophthalmologist (because he's seeing hallucinations). Dad, who is 90, fears that a diagnosis would cause him to lose agency in his life, and he absolutely refuses to let that happen. He will not give me POA. Dad refused to attend even a "get acquainted" appointment with a neurologist and "ordered" me in no uncertain terms to cancel that appointment, so I did.

[@rebeccabaxterbard8073]

super tough...any update? how did such a difficult situation resolve? would be helpful to know, thanks

[@jeanhaefner2028]

Natali - your videos are always helpful and calming. You have a kind voice. 👍👏🤓

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Oh thank you!

[@cassrichards1326]

My diagnosis timeline is PCP, brain CT scan, Neuropsychologist, Geriatric MD, Cognitive therapy, PCP, Neurologist

[@blueminnie13]

My mom's primary care doc was terrible. He did a 3 minute dementia evaluation in which she failed every question and he actually laughed out loud when my mom thought Carter was the president. Despite my request to discuss her going into care privately, it was brought up right in front of my mom. He made no recommendations to help her or me other than he said she should not live alone and no follow up care. I will switch doctors, but honestly, I have little faith in the system.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

I am so sorry to hear about your experience but am glad you are seeking out a different provider. Your local agency on aging often has a lot information about local available resources for individuals with dementia. That might be a good place to start for some recommendations.

[@blueminnie13]

@@DementiaCareblazers Thank you!

[@hadamerryweather577]

Unethical MD. Write a review and highlight this.

[@marij3219]

Does the neurologist speak with the family? My husband is early but the issues he has are serious like lack of focus while driving. We had a serious accident and just avoided another. He willingly handed over his keys and said he loses focus. He also has forgotten how to do all the handy projects around the house. He use to do them practically with his eyes closed. Relatives are noticing problems. I think he's very early and I don't want to put him through medical tests if we're going to end up inconclusive which I read too often from other loved ones. Sometimes he forgets that he 'forgot' and sometimes he has 'reasons' why he does what he does. Without the doctor speaking to me he couldn't get the entire picture. I'm feeling overwhelmed. I am going to take your caregiving class but we have company coming for 18 days and I want to have more time to spend with your class without house guests and my husband to look after. Thank you for what you do. I couldn't express how thankful I am. All of our family is aware that we're having issues and he's told some of them.

[@rebeccabaxterbard8073]

I Hope everything worked out for you. I would have suggested having the house guests keep your husband busy so you could take the classes! Just FYI, the kinds of symptoms you describe are definitely not "early" in my opinion. Is it possible that testing might be challenging and a rough road for a bit? Yes, but it is better to do it now before he changes more - won't go, won't shower, etc., It is hard to predict the course of things. Stuff like an MRI or CT scan are practically impossible to do on a person who no longer can follow instructions or won't stop moving and they are not invasive particularly...it will never get any easier than now to do testing and it may go just fine. Did anything work out for you so far? I would have been really horrified about the accident, glad he gave up the keys so easily, most men don't.

[@mattbaire8139]

Very informative, thank you!

[@deborahwilliams6359]

My sister and mother are displaying the symptoms associated with dementia but my sister had a big issue with her thyroid. Can thyroid issues and side effects be misdiagnosed as dementia?

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Yes, thyroid symptoms can cause thinking problems. Usually PCP will check thyroid as part of initial workup when considering dementia.

[@gzrguy]

Super informative thank you so much! I suppose KZbin has determined the general population prefers shorter videos however in your case, Dr. Natali, I'm quite sure your hardcore viewers would be happy to soak up way longer ones! #cantgetenough :-)

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

And anyone can stop and start a video or change the playback speed. 🤗

[@nobody8328]

We've got an appointment with a neuropsychologist. It's in January of next year 😐

[@stevepowsinger733]

It would seem a MRI of the brain would be the best scan to use. I’ve heard of neuropsychologists. What kind of tools do they use? Many people need to be aware of the costs of the various methods.

[@janicelewis1681]

My husband saw a neuropsychologist who did the paper testing for around 3 hours and had a diagnosis right then. We never did a hearing test , nor even an MRI before the diagnosis. We did an MRI that we got through another hospital not facilitated with that office and it came back normal. No hearing test were done. She came back and said FTD dementia. Need to know where to go to get a second opinion on this. Will travel wherever we need. He’s 64, a vet and he deserves the best care. Any suggestions of where we could go and how to find a doctor that won’t just agree because it’s easier. Do we need to say this a second opinion? Thank You for any advice you can give us as it’s really stressful. It’s almost 2 a:m I work at 8 and I’m up searching for help. Thank You so much!

[@susanmann5286]

My MCI was diagnosed by my Psychiatric Physician's Assistant; under the supervision of my Psychiatrist. They referred me to a neurologist, who referred me for a nuero-psych for testing. Meanwhile, my PPA is treating me for MCI.

[@catbee1452]

It's time to move beyond my husband's PCP...when concerns were brought up, husband's PCP turned to him and said, "It's because your OLD" and laughed. Then he said a neurologist who spent most of the visit complaining about all the COVID patients he'd been seeing with neurological problems. He had the gall to say to my husband, "At least you are not suffering like a lot of the COVID patients I". A brain scan was done which showed vascular changes deep in the brain to which he said was 'normal' for my husband's age (71).....? And there was NO further workup or referral after this, just a "come back in 3 months'. I'm sickened. This is unacceptable!

[@genepoirier6798]

Dr. Natalie- What's the relationship between life long attention deficit and dementia, if any?

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Hi Gene, ADHD is considered a neurodevelopmental process, whereas dementia is a neurodegenerative process. That is a fancy way of saying that they are believed to be two different processes. There have been some theories that risk of dementia (particularly certain types of dementia) could be higher in individuals with ADHD; however, I am not aware of any conclusive evidence of this.

[@carolynnr.6409]

I don't think my mother will even consider taking a test. She talks non-stop at the doctor's and will not even stop when asked so vitals can be taken now. I think she is trying to prove she has all her faculties. It almost seems disparate. She has a hearing problem but they ARE raising their voice. Forget it when I try answering the Doctor's question, she can hear that. LOL

[@catherine7147]

Same situation with my mother. Hearing loss too. If she was with a nurse or doctor she switched into a different person! Smiling, joking and of course could answer all the basic questions. She would nap for hours after a visit and completely forget she had been there. Very delusional and starting leaving the house to go to the “filling station”!

[@brendaann2915]

🤣

[@curly2387]

Same with my dad. He wants to prove his brain is functioning 100%. Thank you Dr Natali for another excellent video!

[@DementiaCareblazers]

This can be such a difficult situation! Sometimes it is helpful to write down your concerns and hand them to the nurse or doctor at the beginning of the appointment. It might provide them with more opportunity to ask certain questions or bring up testing with her if appropriate.

[@carolynnr.6409]

@@DementiaCareblazers Right now I will be going over her medicines with a pharmacist. In the last year she has additional kinds.

[@utikahk4538]

My Mom is showing major signs and we are extremely worried about her, but she will NOT go see a doctor for any reason. I've tried many approaches, and she won't go for any reason.

[@sandyschneider6792]

Might I suggest that the potential caregiver obtain a signed release if medical records of the patient before it is too late for the person to sign! It will save A LOT of time & headaches and delays long term!!!

[@stevepowsinger733]

Check out your CC (closed captions). It’s totally off the subject.

[@yioulizinga4137]

what kind of blood work can signify dementia?

[@Auggies1956]

Bood test for dementia?

[@victoriajohnson3034]

Vitamin b12 and vitamin d levels can mimic dementia if they are too low

[@carolynnr.6409]

Some conditions can cause dementia symptoms and the Doctor can order the tests to rule them out.

[@youalreadyknow6763]

How do I join no link ?

[@youalreadyknow6763]

The link says to sign in or register but no where on the page shows where to register

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Hi Irebia, I apologize for the confusion. The care course closed for registration on Sunday night. I host several a year and will announce when the next course is being offered. The care course is only offered during certain times because I answer specific questions and work directly with those who register. I do offer a more informational course through my website that is available at any time. I'm sorry we missed you this round! www.careblazers.com/offers/rdwhpAwd/checkout

[@monateru1712]

Could you please do a video on the death of a loved one? I need to know what to do. I've enrolled in community college, but I don't know what to do with myself in the meantime, or how to feel.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Hi Mona, managing grief after a loved one passes away can be difficult. There is no "right" way to feel. So please, show yourself some grace with however you are feeling. I have not done a video on this specific topic yet but I have done a similar video that may still be of help in your situation. I think much of the information is relevant. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIvUf6CQhbd1h8U I hope you find this helpful. Remember, pay attention to your warning signs and to engage in self-care throughout this process. I am glad for you that it sounds like you have found something for yourself moving forward.

[@dianamason5649]

I keep getting this all mixed up and Enter rather than _____ what?

[@marycarricaburu3683]

my husband has poor hearing but he won't wear hearing aids.

[@alumpyhorse]

same. so difficult

[@blueminnie13]

Mom refuses cataract surgery so doctor said new glasses won't help and won't prescribe them (which makes sense). Then she lost her glasses outside and started wearing an old pair. I get caught in the middle and feel awful. She won't wear her support hose...... everything is a battle. Then the doc look at me ....

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Hi Mary, This can be a difficult situation. The audiologist may still have some suggestions for your husband's situation. For example, I have seen some families use a pocket talker which allows the individual to wear them like headphones during important conversations.

[@elizabethharp6754]

Captions are not what is being said. Other you tube videos aren’t a problem

[@ronica2623]

The PCP did nothing. She said, “well you’re here talking to me”…..what does that mean?

[@laurenhart584]

excellent video NOT!! too long we are hungry for this information!!!!

[@melodydunn4546]

Would rather view longer, more substantive videos

[@2mangos]

This sounds like drs just making care givers lives a living hell as a money grab.