Screening for Dementia 3: Patient Assessment

This is an excerpt on "Patient Assessment" from the movie, Screening for Dementia. Produced by the University of Georgia's Dr. Leonard W. Poon, video by Alan Stecker of ASV Productions, and filmed at Mercer University's School of Medicine.
You can find other clips from this movie on our youtube channel or you can visit the Georgia Geriatric Education website (www.training.geron.uga.edu). There you can also find other helpful videos and learning modules on various issues in gerontology and geriatrics.
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[@astridbirgitteovern7662]

It is so sad to see how dementia affects people. It’s like a person vanishes right before your eyes.

[@chinookvalley]

Astrid Please don't accept it as fact. Oftentimes regulating blood sugar with a HEALTHY Keto diet, and taking the "victim" off of soy will CURE most signs of dementia and/or Alzheimer's. Soy is in most all foods now as are artificial sweeteners. Many people cannot use Stevia, but it and soy are touted as healthy. They aren't.

[@connectionoflivesandinterests]

Yes

[@marretaprata350]

@@chinookvalley WTF? Lol dude Just stop. That's a dirty way to promote something

[@daveroll6463]

@@chinookvalley you are a terrible person. the kind of person that would feed only vegetables to their dog in order to promote veganism.

[@psychnuts]

@@chinookvalley you can't cure dementia or alzheimer's, it's a cruel fucking thing. there are ways to slow down the decline of dementia but you will never be rid of it, it's the harsh truth.

[@snoopdoggthecertifiedg6777]

My Great Grandma is almost 90 and she’s still right on point and there with you in a conversation, and I’m thankful every day for that.

[@hard-truthsbetter-than-swe6543]

At that age it can change fast. My best friends mother was 90 living on own,went out dancing,planted a garden, took day trips on own and kept house and yard spotless. She had a fall broke hip and less than a year later dead.

[@snoopdoggthecertifiedg6777]

@@hard-truthsbetter-than-swe6543 obviously I know that, when you’re old you’re fragile. My comment was referring to dementia.

[@nataliabomba1519]

My great grandma was 95 when she began having memory problems and then 2 years later she didnt know her name or anything.

[@noreenjackson4377]

@@hard-truthsbetter-than-swe6543 that is why people go downhill. Medical care sucks.

[@megawave79]

@@noreenjackson4377 if you got a better solution to prevent death

[@jonstarling5567]

When she said they're dead, the expression on here face was sad qnd i felt her sorrow.

[@MargaretHill65_]

💔

[@pattyamato8758]

I wonder if her children really are dead, because he said she was confused about her children

[@secretysecret1551]

I have to wonder if any of that emotional trauma has to do with her dementia. I'm no Dr, but you have to consider that maybe dementia is the mind's method of scarring over a life's-worth of pain

[@jockoharpo2622]

Jon..You are a good man! It's refreshing to see a man stating how they feel another's sorrow..Did you know Empathic people...those who have the ability to connecxst with another's feelings and walk in their shoes have a special gift from God?

[@JammieJohnny1]

@@jockoharpo2622 Empathty is something that is taught from birth and is not a gift from anything or anyone other than humanity. We all can empathise with each other unless impaired in some way.

[@xXBobbyXx86]

no wonder is a horrible feeling to know that you outlived your children

[@honeybuzzard2843]

Yea, that was sad to hear.

[@hihi-yp4ct]

aww I am gonna cry

[@sc00b3rt]

My gma had dementia. Her awareness of time was moving backwards. She had forgotten her children and the death of her son. She thought she was staying in a hotel and was ready to go home. Home was her home 80 years ago.

[@joskojansa1235]

No, its horrible only to those that still have kids, and are thinking of such predicament. For those that outlived their children, they dealt with it already. Them beeing alive is proof.

[@SparkyGecko]

@@joskojansa1235 That makes no sense. Continuing to live does not mean that you've come to terms with your children dying and it's all okay now.

[@elainemcmurren8678]

This woman looks very well cared for. Her caretaker deserves a medal. 🏅

[@gilbertorangel4127]

She isnt an animal, its her human right to be treated the best. Anything less is unacceptable...

[@04dram04]

Maybe they groomed her because they knew she was being filmed that day

[@EugeniaBonucci1965]

That's true

[@joskojansa1235]

My dad is talking in third person in front of me, about me. He sliced me into 3 persons. All with same name. But he looks, everyday, how George Clooney will look in cupple of years, on that Oscar night.

[@corryjookit7818]

@@joskojansa1235 Buy him a bottle of Tequila.

[@carolbenson6524]

So terribly sad. We all need lots of love and compassion and understanding when caring for a loved one.

[@connectionoflivesandinterests]

Yes

[@wonderfulwalrus273]

Yes

[@syorich1403]

The patient needs them more.

[@r.i.pyoutube6881]

Oh ok

[@ladybug4u165]

Absolutely and the family needs help even if they don't ask.

[@szqsk8]

Judging by a lot of the comments posted, most of the people posting have never lived with or taken care of someone with dementia, Alzheimer's, etc. Watching my sister in law go from a vibrant hard working lady to a forgetful then bedridden woman who needed adult diapers within a span of just four years was heartbreaking. Her passing on was a blessing for her but terrible for us. We miss her every day.

[@datahacker9094]

szqsk8 it's hard I know my grandpas going though it I've been learning into this thing and he's got a quite a lot of them same things going on with him, the choking on liquids bugs me the most. But yeah fuck these trolls.

[@lisajones1140]

It is a horrific disease and family members who never come around suffer shame then BLaME the ONE person who saw him daily and provided food and supplies to him.

[@mindfuleats4517]

I am sorry to hear what you and your sister went through.. I am struggling with a very elderly person and deciphering whether her issues are just old age or dementia or indeed, Alzheimers ... I would like to get her whatever help there is but she needs to be assessed first and her family just think she is looking for attention.... I do not think this

[@jozeflak1868]

szqsk8 22 years ago went through with my mother-in-law now I'm going through with my wife it's very hard on them but it's also hard on the person who's taking care of them I feel sorry for every patient that has to go through that disease.

[@Ramparts2009]

You are absolutely right!

[@maryc7830]

My mother lives with me and she has dementia, schizophrenia, and bipolar. She gets confused about the times of her medication. I dispense them to her. I do everything for her. I’m glad she had a nice Thanksgiving yesterday. It’s probably her last best wishes to anyone dealing with dementia. ❣️🦃

[@siegfriedschmitz5260]

Hol shit, this is a awful combination. Wish you and her all the best

[@Petal4822]

This woman is well groomed, happy and contented…it reflects a caring home life that looks after her wellbeing.

[@chrismorgan9154]

From experience, music really lights up their minds. Music therapy needs to be used in nursing facilities. Also, some dementia people enjoy doing simple tasks.

[@prall0915]

I am a CNA from Iowa. Music therapy is used in nursing homes all over the state. The residents love to participate.

[@lunalea1250]

I 100% agree and recommend it to everyone! 😊🎶

[@dfjulesful]

My grandmother really enjoyed music all her life and lit up when she heard it even in the later stages of dementia. People would come in to play music for the patients and she loved it

[@sirarchibald4273]

I delivered furniture into a few old folks homes and 2 of the nicer ones in my county would play 50-60s music over the intercom and everyone there seemed lively, like they didnt remember seeing you a few minutes ago but they all looked happy, jolly and well dressed.

[@debracabral8713]

I play gene Kelly goodmorning every day for my Dad

[@moelester7971]

When she was asked what her favorite TV show was, I found it interesting how she turned a knob with her hand as she said she just turns on the TV and watches.

[@sandragalvan8472]

Old TV’s had knobs

[@hebneh]

I wonder if her two children had actually died, or if she was delusional. A close friend was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 59, and after a few years she was saying that Marilyn Monroe and Joan Crawford had come to visit her (she'd seen them on TV), and that John Lennon had divorced Yoko Ono and was going to marry her instead.

[@joskojansa1235]

My father talks in front of me, about me, in third person. Took me a week, and a help from my neighbour, that I figured he sliced me into 3 persons. He even said it himself. They all have the same name. I'm one of these 3, the other is my friend taxi driver mixed with other neighbour. And third, as far as i could figure, is his childhood friend, or his brother that died age 5. And only last one is his child, but he has no contact with him... Eh...

[@nikoandroman]

That’s like something out of “Requiem for a dream” where an old woman had a similar experience to the one you described to to overdose of weight loss pills...

[@crisptomato9495]

That’s what I thought. Every time my dad left the room my grandma thought he was dead. She also thought robbers were on her roof and would drive to my mom’s work, a bank, everyday and tell them my mom was stealing money. I don’t know how my parents did it if I were in their shoes I might have considered killing myself.

[@AnnetteMurphyger]

God love her

[@philstein994]

This makes me want to give this lady a hug and tell her she will be ok

[@syorich1403]

But she won’t honey. The medical ppl in the US target these folks to fill the beds in the nursing homes. 😞

[@3OHT.]

@@syorich1403 _Someone_ needs to look after people with dementia.

[@edwelndiobel1567]

@@syorich1403 I just hope no one abuses me when I get dementia and am helpless.

[@marianking1379]

They remind me of some autistic kids and a profound special needs man that we look after , he has no idea of dates or what day it is and thinks he is 7 , he's 29 . Suppose it's just that parts of the brain just don't work properly . I feel so sorry for the families , my mum died at 95 and had slight dementia . Lack of stimulation l think , she was such an active lady , she needleworker knitted , painted , and was a fabulous cook , .she broke her hip and because of lack of muscle she didn't walk again and was bedridden . Have good diet ,high in protein low carbs and NO SUGAR . WALK !

[@sandraclements9932]

OK people this doctor knows precisely what he is doing. You are finding so much fault with him when in actuality he is doing everything precisely correct. Stop focusing on him and listen to what he saying, she does have moderate dementia.......

[@CaptApril123]

Yea, he's good. This is would be only one of hundreds of cases he's done, some probably really sad ones. I think many people just see this small snippet and kind of jump on him because they feel an emotional attatchement to the patient, which is good but they're not seeing the big picture. He's trying to get an accurate assesment of how far along her dementia is so that she receieves the correct treatment. Pandering isn't going to help her. I think he's got an excellent bedside manner.

[@joany11swatch14]

I agree. People are so quick to judge and criticize when they know jack shit !

[@EDITMODE]

I dont see any negative comments about the doctor

[@nani.9754]

I do think he is good. Also 2 of my grandmas had to go through all of this in stages and they were my best friends and a very close friend of the family did too. It was very hard but they needed me and I never abandoned them. Now my mom is showing the signs. And I won't abandon her but getting my sister to admit there are problems with my mom's mind is nearly impossable to do.she sees her about once a month. I see her multiple times a week. It won't be long and mom will loose her driving skills. She already does some strange things be hind the wheel She is 78 years now. I feel like I need help from my sister with some of the difficulties that are coming. My sister lives out of state . I didn't have to make difficult choices with my 2 grandma's. My aunt's took care of them. But my mom only has my sister and I.

[@IAMGiftbearer]

@@CaptApril123 What treatment? It's a degenerative brain disease that is incurable. From everything I've read all there is are drugs that might or might not slow it down but they don't stop the progression. Some people take supplements but there really aren't enough clinical trials to know for sure if they do anything. Same with brain training exercises. I don't see anything wrong with what the doctor was doing in this context, but he's really just staging the disease; not "treating" it. "Pandering" or not, it is what it is. If it had progressed even further no amount of reminding her and then quizzing her would have made any difference because gray matter is destroyed permanently. All they can really do is document it in the chart. I had a friend who developed dementia. She went from being a very nice person with lots of interests to a very cranky person who didn't want to do anything together anymore, became irritated at the mere suggestion, and ended up ending the friendship for a ridiculous reason that had nothing to do with her. At the time I had no idea why she was behaving that way. Unlike the woman in the video she really didn't show memory problems during the first year of her change. I ran into her at the grocery store about at the 2 year mark and that was when she told me she was having memory issues. She told me she had stopped all her usual activities, even getting on her computer and only went to a senior day program and that was the extent of her life. Then the previous year all made sense. She probably didn't know what was happening to make her in such a bad mood all the time either until it reached the point, developed more symptoms, and she got a proper assessment. When I knew her she used to talk to her mother by phone frequently who had Alzheimers and who was very paranoid. They got in arguments often. It is highly genetic, so I'm not really surprised that this happened to her too.

[@sugarwaterpurple5280]

This is my grandmother now. It's so painful to see and experience especially because she was difficult before dementia, now she's almost unbearable and abusive. Yet everyday we care for her.

[@kappanova1302]

My grandmother was like that before her passing. A sense of pride devolved into flat-out screaming when other people had a conversation and she couldn't join in. Hope you will all get through this alright

[@rodrigolara6733]

Well you need to remind her to be polite. Just because you don't remember does not mean you can be rude. Remind her she is the one who si forgotting. She needs to aknowledge it.

[@MsSony12345]

I can't remember those 3 words but I remember him saying super, super , super

[@edelmalone7512]

Most people wouldn’t remember the three words even young people nowadays

[@woodlander9634]

Apple, Penny, Table

[@michaelknapp8961]

Bless her heart!! My mom passed away four years ago today from Alzheimer’s disease. This woman looks very much like my wonderful mother. This is a terrible disease and hope medical science finds a cure very soon!!

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@fernsettle9489]

Being a caregiver for a dementia patient with declining executives functions is a very trying and sad thing. ... I REALLY know about this.

[@cubbylevi1764]

Fern Settle My precious Mama’s 12+ year battle with Alzheimer’s ended Christmas Eve 2014. I was with her all the time😢. She did grow sweeter every day. 🙏🏼

[@cynthiaburrus255]

@@cubbylevi1764 It breaks your heart to see the person, Your Person, who taught you everything as a child, may not know who you are or may believe you are someone else. I am sorry you have that sadness to carry around. It teaches us to not take anyone for granted and to spend time with our elders while we can.

[@MzSuzy2698]

Fern Settle So sorry that you had to go through that. My father had Alzheimer's but he was in a facility and was cared for quit well. We searched many facilities before we chose the facility that he was in. I fed him lunch everyday.

[@victoriaofthevictoriavicto7270]

I work as a care aide in the dementia unit of a LTC facility & everyday, just before I start, I ask myself how would I like to be treated & how would my family want me to be treated. Then I dig in for the next 12 hours & marvel that they actually pay me to feel the joy of caring for these amazing humans.

[@gloriagelardi341]

Cynthia Burrus LLC.qqa1aaaa

[@garyclarkiii730]

This was terrifying to watch. Everyone’s on the 3 words but there’s SO much more that’s missing and it’s absolutely horrifying that this could one day happen to any of us. Sobering reminder that memory shan’t be taken for granted

[@ajholt84]

Actually there is reasoning behind the 3 words. They address the short term memory and functionality of the person's cognitive ability. I perform MMSE's as part of my job as well as screen for dementia. It is quite interesting and very sad when I have pt's on the moderate to severe scale of a dementia rating.

[@woodlander9634]

My clinic uses the same 3 words every year. 😆🤣

[@ninaappelt9001]

My 66 year old husband has Dementia. It's a struggle for me as much as him. I hate seeing him going downhill so rapidly.

[@shadrach6299]

I used to give these tests daily. They are almost threatening and anger inducing for my patients

[@quantumpuddles7591]

I'm a fresh brain 18 year old, and I didn't even remember the 3 words

[@driftingbrandonc.6480]

@@quantumpuddles7591 same

[@prismarinestars7471]

I can see why. It would be scary to be forced to realize your own cognitive decline.

[@crisptomato9495]

@@quantumpuddles7591 I’m a fucking retard I thought the cannon was a wagon wheel 💀

[@alienc]

32 here I'm pretty sure my brain is dead or at least social skills.. I can do labour work and physical activities and react to social situations but this battery of questions would have me responding the same way as Doris.. That's probably not even her name I bet

[@benwashburn8553]

The one thing I will say is being retired you do become disconnected from the date and to some extent even the days of the week because they're not very relevant anymore. When you're working, man, you know whether it's Tuesday or Thursday, but when you're retired it's just not particularly important anymore. You could ask me the day of the week and it would be 50-50 whether I'd know because you don't write checks any more (at least I don't!), you don't log into whatever calendar you use each day to see meetings and due dates, you don't get the morning paper anymore, etc.

[@timotheelegrincheux2204]

Let me tell you about my own frustration. Just when I get a handle on the date and the day of the week, unseen forces go and change them on me, sometimes overnight!

[@marianking1379]

Yes absolutely not a good marker l think x

[@alysononoahu8702]

Yes or the change of month

[@sofiabravo1994]

Well I experienced a similar thing when I graduated from high school I didn’t go to college and my focus wasn’t on dates anymore…so I’d forget the day occasionally.

[@wotawanancy3249]

Exactly. You finally are not in the rat race anymore. You can enjoy your life without being tied down to a schedule. At 75 I misplace things at times. 99% of the time I back track and find it. I love picking and choosing when I feel like doing something. But I have a sister in law that is losing her memory and it breaks my heart. And she knows she is. Her adult children want her to sell her home and go into assisted living. If that was my mom I would take care of her. But they prefer her in a home. But that is not her choice. And they don't want my help. She is 84. I am almost 76. It's a very sad situation.

[@MaisyMimi]

I think this is happening to my 69 year old dad. He was such an intelligent funny happy man and he’s completely changing in front of our eyes. He seems to know himself. Truly heartbreaking.

[@cccpredarmy]

main thing if you're young: always keep your brain busy with new tasks, new problems to solve. Do maths, calculations, measurements etc. Always keep moving and exercising. Do not let your brain become "comfortable" with the state it's in. I had the expereince of multiple people who got to comfortable in theri "bubble" in my life. You DON'T WANT to be that person when you get old!!!

[@sharmisthabiswas7468]

Really useful comment!

[@alwaysl8129]

When my grandmother had this her Dr told us that it was more upsetting to us than it was to her . He said she is remembering things that made her feel good while we were watching her drift further and further away. The best advice is don’t constantly push an Alzheimer’s patient to give you the 😢😢right answers ! They will feel as their answers are always wrong and will eventually shut down. Talk to them about their younger days and let them tell you whatever they want to say. Just smile and go along with it.

[@smiththomson95]

Hello Dear How are you doing today?

[@nancyellen8006]

Such common sense and caring advice! My brother has bipolar and Alzheimer’s. I’m amazed and so grateful at the way my sister-in-law treats him with both kindness and patience. Since I am experiencing my own memory issues, and worry that I may to have dementia, I wonder what my future holds. My husband is very impatient and critical at times. I worry that like to need to live somewhere with memory care. I’ll just wait and see …

[@sallyclay1974]

My sister passed away from Lewy Body Dementia, after 7 years. Her body and mind disappeared. She spent 4 years at her home, in Ridgefield , CT, with round the clock care, and the last 3, were at The Residence, an assisted living facility in Darien, CT. I salute the medical staff, including, caregivers, and Hospice, for taking such great care of my sister.

[@jenniferhowland8777]

I'm a CNA in a nursing home specifically for memory care. The hardest part for me is getting attached to the residents. Then they pass. :(

[@prall0915]

I've been a CNA for 15 years. That's still the hardest part of the job for me. I just love some of the characters l've taken care of over the years. One lady always called me Shirley even though she knew my name was Carrie. She said well l like Shirley better. 😆😆

[@papabear2515]

Thank you for the care you give

[@ellelaroux8689]

I've worked in health care for 20 years, but my first (and favorite) health care job was as a CNA in a memory care facility. Don't stop caring. Don't stop getting attached. It's heart-breaking, but only because you care. If you didn't care, their deaths wouldn't bother you, and that would be infinitely worse. You're probably very good at what you do, and your residents probably benefit a great deal from you. Keep doing what you're doing. Keep caring. Keep loving them. They need you.

[@michaellynch9862]

God bless you. You are a very special person!

[@alysononoahu8702]

I worked at an 49 bed SNF for two years and it was so wonderful🥰 yeah you love the clients🥰 the patient's it was wonderful 💜it was so much fun and just working with them you know and getting to know them👍💜👍

[@AKAMom-dc7gc]

My test took 4 hours. Came back a week later. Was told I was in early on set of Dementia. I am level 3

[@kathymain578]

I am SO sorry. Can they do anything?

[@beckychapman7277]

Im here if you need a friend

[@Kenny-eq7pb]

I'm so sorry 😔

[@syorich1403]

God bless honey

[@evelynhester989]

I'm so sorry to hear that.

[@drivethrupoet]

She's still turning a knob on the TV in her mind. Sometimes I wonder if the changes in our daily life due to rapid technology development adds to some breaks from reality for that generation.

[@stevenmartinez5531]

I caught that also..

[@nunyabizness3890]

I can't find it now, but there was a nursing home (or adult daycare) that designed its facility to look like a home in the 1940s/50s. It appeared more familiar to the residents, and they felt more "at home" there.

[@LowMedow]

I think you may be on to something there...

[@lebendigesgespenst7669]

@@nunyabizness3890 we should have something like this for every generation

[@emilyaitch8143]

Maybe she still has a TV like that at home?

[@MJ_247]

I work as a caregiver and this is literally what I see every day as part of my job. It’s sad but seeing them light up and talk about the things they do remember, it makes my job just a bit easier. This happened to my grandpa as well and unfortunately I was in middle school when he passed from it, at that age it was one of the scariest things I’ve seen happen to someone. I don’t wish this on anyone

[@debbie3218]

I'm going through this with my mom now, and I'm also going thru menopause at the same time.

[@syorich1403]

Debbie, who’s winning?

[@debbie3218]

Good question. I am, because I take care of myself, whereas my mom isn't. I have the common sense, where she doesn't. And that's why she's in the bad predicament she's in now.

[@laetitialogan2017]

Me too Debbie, its horrible

[@Parisroam]

@@debbie3218 I’m sorry Debbie 😭

[@lauracrawford8723]

my grandfather had dementia, but he was never ever much of a talker or expresser at all, so we think he started to slip long before we realized it, but he had a brilliant mind, and it was very sad to watch all that slip away

[@Emeraldcity70]

When the gentleman asked her if she was sad, and she said yes- it broke my heart.

[@chrisconnors7418]

My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He had to go into a care home 4 years and 1 day ago. Initially he kept escaping till they put an alarm bracelet on him. They had to put up big signs on the front doors telling visitors not to let residents out all because my dad would loiter near the controlled door and then walk out behind a visitor who was leaving. He didn't know how to push the button to open the door, but knew enough to take advantage of an open door. We were kinda proud of all his escapes and escape attempts. Last time he recognized was us August--we got a big smile from him. He wouldn't know who we were but he knew that we were associated with good memories. Now, he doesn't show any recognition and is in a wheelchair full-time. His body is still healthy. He should have been enjoying retirement the past four years with my mom, travelling, visiting, socializing, but that was prematurely taken from him (and from my mom) by that ugly disease. My heart goes out to everyone who has seen this happen to their own loved ones.

[@roseannepryor4068]

My Mom got diagnosed in her 60’s! I’m 60 now and worry every day I will get Alzheimer’s. Every time I can’t find my keys, or my glasses, I freak out! This disease is so awful, I pray we find a cure for it soon!

[@sundaylodes6411]

Same...it's super scary. Keep working that brain !

[@CreatingwithWinglessAngel]

Puzzle games help keep your mind sharp. Especially ones that challenge you to find hidden things.

[@ashhempsall9803]

I read somewhere that dementia is not so much forgetting where are your keys, but what is a key. Good will to all those caring for sufferers🐈‍⬛🙏

[@zachblundeto7137]

Bless her heart.

[@tinawaggoner1031]

So sad precious precious lady. My mom had dementia and the saddest part is watching your loved ones disappear right before your eyes. Show lots of love for these wonderful people

[@sunnyowens4965]

My mother in-law has it .it's a nightmare. Jesus i pray for help for all of these people 🙏.

[@tdeath101]

Is it bad that I didn't remember the "Apple, Penny, Table" items when he asked the patient about it lol

[@lonelyquark]

The guy didn't ask her to remember "apple, penny, table", but then he claimed that he did ask her to remember them.

[@towyn2060]

He also falsely claims to have previously mentioned he was going to be annoying lol

[@lpronovost84]

Carlos Alcazar i

[@cynthiaburrus255]

@@lonelyquark The point is that in the span of time of one minute a normally functioning brain should have remembered. I was a RN for many years and have seen docs give as many as eight words which is a stretch without dementia especially when you throw the math in between. The goal is to learn how cognitively impaired that person is and whether that person is capable of taking care of their daily needs. If not, a plan can be put in place for the help they need.

[@cynthiaburrus255]

@@towyn2060 He did say he would be annoying and they laughed about that.

[@danikacortez691]

My grandpa moved in with us because he fell and we didn't want him living alone. He is 92 and we noticed his memory and asking the same things over and over. We got him evaluated and he has dementia mild. He knows us still but he did forget me once. He forgets what he asks, he gets moments where he doesn't want to eat, he never remembers how old he is going to be. He doesn't remember things that just happened. But I do know that everyday u see little changes. He is also very weak and thin because he's like seriously afraid of getting fat. He are looking into putting him into a nice home that specializes in dementia. Me and my parents all still have to work full time. I am also a full time student going back to working full time in August so I will hardly be home. Also my parents are both in their late 60's as well have their own health as well. It's sad but I hope he doesn't go years and suffer where he can't even move and is like a vegetable and that he can rest. This is a sad sad disease

[@Woodman-Spare-that-tree]

Nobody knows what day it is once you’ve given up work, because every day is the same.

[@delsakelly1456]

Since I retire I did not care what the date and month it is. I am poor in math. Pls don't ask me any of this. Lol.

[@hamstersamiright8837]

Mood.

[@syorich1403]

😁was just saying that Delsa. Add in living in south FL and you’ll have problems w the year, and the time of year too! As an Intern in the 90s I had to ask patients who the president was. One man said to me, “I’ve no idea. The last president I voted for was Kennedy.” He did, however, know who won the World Series that year, and the scores of the games!

[@frankrobert7457]

Lol.... How are you and the weather there?

[@delsakelly1456]

Lovely weather in Georgia. I just feel sorry for the lady under scrutiny by the doctor. I am a retired Caregiver in Fl. I've work with demented patients . Surely they are clever to cover their lack of memory. I miss my job. I am retired now. Hoping my memory is as sharp as my knife in the kitchen. Lol!

[@frankrobert7457]

@@delsakelly1456 Aww, I felt so sorry for her too.... I'm from Houston Texas but currently working in Dublin Ireland with Eni oil and gas

[@pussycats456]

My lovely Dad had vascular dementia. I wouldn’t wish it on my enemy! They’re gone, but they’re still there! Heartbreaking.

[@gracecatz3996]

She's so sweet 🥺. My husband not so much, he pushes me for everything I'm worth especially in the evenings. He was so very smart and now he cant even read

[@remove574]

So sad for the patients but what a lovely mannered Dr

[@-AndyWasson-]

PLEASE someone tell me im not the only one who thinks she looks like a female version of the old man on pawn stars.

[@sarahcrain8083]

Oh my. She does resemble a female version of the old man. Wow!

[@mariewheeler6522]

Thanks. I was trying hard to figure out who she looks like

[@sarahcrain8083]

@@mariewheeler6522 me too until I read Andy Wasson's post.

[@m.mickeypayne9811]

Yes, but it is not a nice thing to say..

[@kpax2066]

I thought the same thing as soon as I saw her!

[@1stltwife]

Buried my mother in law September from dementia. Vibrant, hardworking, active, walking 3 miles a day, bake, crochet blankets for " seniors" as she used to say, , puzzles, color, and talk like crazy and then then things started.. We knew in 15 and diagnosis in 16. She would scream and yell and accused people of stealing because she lost everything!!She couldn't remember anything that you said to her 10 minutes before. We watched her go down year after year! So sad to watch. So tough on family. I took care of her for 3 years and eventually we had to move her in with my brother in law and his wife because my husband and I were wiped out and fighting!!The last year, she was not eating, hospitalized with kidney problems and barely spoke, went into diapers..it was a blessing that she went home with God because she had no quality of life!! Heartbreaking 💔 I miss her but at least she was very loved and cared for. Not everyone is... I suggest music all the time in their room because it always spark something. Her last moments she was surrounded by her family with Christian music and everyone singing. She lifted her hand and pointed upward as if to tell us something, closed her eyes 👀

[@sdesavouret]

he sounds like a disrict attorney

[@janefriel6895]

He was a little arrogant to say "Dr Higher will do". His job is a doctor that isn't his name.I have met many doctors in my day and so many think they are above everyone else because they studied medicine.Some of them are just so rude and egotistic.They too put their pants on one leg at a time.

[@vulturesiii6450]

Slimeball ay Has dementia now

[@seanhunter4297]

@pyrotechnic5254 Well if our own are less than stellar (I'm in the US) & the Indian ones are exceptionally smarter, I think we should hire the Indian ones.

[@jedmalashock8386]

@@janefriel6895 that is his last name- Heyer is pronounced “higher”

[@theofficialdislikebutton6766]

@@janefriel6895 his name isn't mister, but that's how you address someone.

[@mjoek]

The amount of suggestive questions he asks her is beyond any amount....

[@cierakitty]

We have an older lady in our apt. complex who has really gone down mentally in over a year. Her family knows it...but will not do anything about it. Reason ? Mother gets a big check, and gives to the kids....they would lose all that if mother was placed somewhere. It's pretty sad

[@omegasalmonfish]

she's just like "why does this man have an earring?"

[@tm13tube]

Why is this part of her assessment? It's irrelevant.

[@janefriel6895]

.....and an attitude.

[@solarasolara3033]

She remembered her children were dead... the mercy of memory loss for my mother was forgetting my brother and father died. That was the only mercy though.... the rest of watching the mother I'd always known lose her memory was brutal. I remember the first time I had to give her a bath to clean up after she had an accident.... she kept telling me how sorry she was to put me through that... and I kept smiling and telling her it was ok...I didn't mind. After I had her set up in front of her favorite TV show with a snack.... I went into the bathroom and cried harder than I have ever cried. After taking care of her for 5 years and her passing peacefully at home.... I tried to get back into life.. I kind of forgot how... being a caregiver nearly killed me with a heart attack a year later....and my dark hair turned completely white. Of all the ways to die...I think ALZ is one of the worst.

[@libbachana9369]

My once very strong, smart & vital mother died from Alzheimer's disease last year. She suffered from it for 10 years. Mom was terribly depressed for the first 5 years and slept 18-20 hours out of 24. She knew what was happening to her. As mom got worse, we hired round-the-clock caregivers for her. My father's mother & brother had Alzheimer's. I feel like I'm an Alzheimer's sandwich, as though it's coming for me too, however, I'm afraid to be tested.

[@t.gracchus1786]

I witnessed all the stages of dementia on my great grandmother from beginning to the end.

[@baileyjosephine3111]

as have i, truly heartbreaking

[@sophieboatman1447]

When my Mum did her test she rang me and said I passed the test! But she hadn’t - was heartbreaking xx

[@haleyh6921]

my mom works at a nursing home where majority of the patients have dementia and I have so so much respect for her cause it’s so hard on the patients, families and nurses

[@trishschmidt8530]

He is leading the questions. Like so everything is going good? Instead of how is everything? an open ended question.

[@AureliusR]

+Momma Homemaker because he knows that she is impaired, he's trying to make her comfortable.

[@may_5198]

My great grandparents both have dementia and I live with them. My grandma is really bad. It is such a sad thing to know one of these days she won't remember me. She already forgets that I live here. I hate that they are both going through it, but I also can not imagine the pain I will be in when they pass away.

[@elaineagvent5513]

I just love this sweet little lady. ♥️ I am glad she is getting help. Thank you Dr.

[@nolagirl2458]

My grandfather had Alzheimer's, he would try to walk to his childhood home. He had never drove in his lifetime. The saddest day was when I came to their house & he didn't know who I was. Such a terrible disease I hope they find a cure for 🙏🏼

[@robindixon4814]

I can’t believe that he asks so many closed ended questions that only require a yes/ no answers.

[@karibarker9749]

That can be because her function level is too low for her to elaborate well.

[@yegranslegs169]

Exercise the brain to see how well it’s functioning. Whether it’s simple yes/no or longer answers it’s still making her brain work abit more.

[@ajholt84]

He is asking proper questions for her level of understanding.

[@edelmalone7512]

Yeah doctors lead the conversation and assume they have it because of what family say

[@tomtom7776666]

I couldn’t remember the 3 words either well apart from apple lol

[@cyndeeratledge3093]

I was trying to remember 2and 3 myself!!!!

[@deenugent473]

Same here! I don't think I have alzheimer

[@zenmetalasaurus4880]

Apple. Penny. Table.

[@FunEx.133]

just first 2 :)))

[@ndleinahaystack2922]

Apple, penny table... I get what you're saying though. We all have memory lapses and get especially anxious when it's a test.

[@jockoharpo2622]

Dr. Leonard is one good doctor! God Bless his lovely patient!

[@joecook5689]

God bless older people. And nice job doctors that try to help and diagnose.

[@janetfishwick8887]

My mother had a similar sort of assessment for Dementia in 2014. She was diagnosed with MCI. Since then she has declined rapidly into stage 4 Alzheimer's. At the age now of 91 she still lives on her own and refuses Home Help because she is deluded and in denial of her condition. Mother's needs increase as daily as her decline and she is becoming almost unbearable due to her stubbornness to comply. She refuses to use a walking stick, does not see the need to wear hearing aids or glasses and has few social skills. She is no longer the mother we knew years ago and we know that she will never improve. This is the reality we have to accept.

[@corryjookit7818]

#JanetFishwick. Perhaps she's decided to become that way, like a teenager.

[@bigrat4452]

A moment of silence for Beverly and Billy

[@cybersis85]

This breaks my heart. I see it everyday as I am an activity director/assistant in a nursing home. Watching these will make me better at my job. I’m always searching for thing to help my residents enjoy life.

[@margothilaire8807]

I see my neighbor loosing it day by day. It wants to make me want to cry because he use to be a Colonel in the Army and He may not be around to take care of himself next spring. How sad is that ?

[@chinookvalley]

margot I hope you act as a good neighbor to see that he gets someone in to do light house keeping and home care. Sometimes having someone check in can literally save their life. Maybe it's loneliness that is causing him to lose it. Depression can be a much overlooked mental illness that we are all capable of experiencing. Mental illness can come in many forms, and can often be alleviated with kindness!

[@trickyr903]

How is he?

[@bappandi007]

If you love your folks, make sure you tell them that you love them...while you still have the time.

[@heinzkohl7739]

True that, although it does scare me.

[@syorich1403]

Or if you don’t.

[@shanporter2571]

The most profound change that we have witnessed with mom, came in unison with the UTI infections that seem to reoccur in the homes she lived in... watch for signs of agitation , rapid changes in sleep patterns

[@Courage2bwell]

UTI's are not the same as what we are used to as younger adults. They can be deadly for them, for special needs young people as well.

[@jenniferrobinson1792]

It’s disorientating for the person who has dementia. They get confused and then angry, because they can’t access the information they had for decades. I’m going through it at 52. I can’t handle work or disruptions. I can’t sleep or focus.

[@Beverly2020]

Yes!!! The uti’s are debilitating for them.

[@jackiemalone5314]

I have looked after people who have dementia for 20 years, its heartbreaking, hard work but rewarding too.

[@Eniramos619]

My great grandma had Alzheimers so I didn't really get to connect with her as she was getting older. She didn't know who I was anymore.

[@alexmedero828]

That’s the worst feeling to have someone you live not remember you

[@12345lafleurable]

She's so sweet, love to hug her, purely innocent

[@ms.fionamae1356]

Dementia runs in my family. My mom thinks she's next, I think we are in a race to be next. I have fibromyalgia and I have a lot of memory issues along with chronic pain and my vision etc. Too many to name. I am only 55 and my mom is a young 75. You would never think she was that age if you saw her.

[@BuGGyBoBerl]

apart from genetics and lifestyle there is a third very important factor for health. luck. some people just have good or bad luck. its unfortunate but thats how it is. friend of mine is 92 , healthy and very sharp in his mind while his brother died 62 with dementia.

[@Qrow022]

Try to eat a lot of red meat and exercise!!

[@anjamellergaard8932]

I am sorry about your fibro, a friend has it; cannabis (illegal now legal) and hyperbaric oxygen helps.

[@OGMann]

My Mom is 85, and entering this. At first, she was scared and defensive. Now, she recognizes and accepts the impairment. She is working on it. She's the toughest person I know. Covid killed my dad. She walked through it as it it was nothing. She fell and broke her hip in places. A few weeks have passed, and she walks, unaided. I offer my life as a prayer for her. God bless all those dealing with this horrible degeneration.

[@laurag7295]

God bless.

[@f.val6]

working at a nursing home where we specialize in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, it’s so sad to see how quick they deteriorate. all i have to say is call your grandparents, your parents, older people you know and tell them how much you love them. you NEVER know how severe it can get. i’ve seen it all.

[@all4paws508]

A heartfelt message Faith!! Sadly, members of our family are in total denial of what's happening to their father. Bless u and all those u care for

[@f.val6]

@@all4paws508 i’m sending prayers your way💖 make sure you constantly talk to that loved one. show them pictures, just listen to them. its all they want.

[@colleenjeffries3334]

The lady was very sweet and mellow.

[@zgns145]

I wanted to protect her.

[@gordonfreeman5958]

I'm in my 20s and I forgot 2 of the 3 words when he asked her again lol

[@kiwi007]

I bet it was apple you remembered!

[@aarontooth]

Dood you need to go to Dr Higher right now

[@anthonycicerale1376]

Your work is amazing, thank you for all you do!

[@fataturchina5289]

Very nice,polite and sweet lady. A huge hug to her❤

[@blockydogy1188]

:)

[@deanawells4395]

We have a very large group of people that are going to be just like this woman getting to the point that they need a lot of support for their lost memory coming up very quickly. Anyone interested in this field is going to have a lot of patients to help and unless we address this up coming patient load we as Americans will have a true problem coming on and coming on quickly.

[@jillrobinson3725]

What a lovely doctor, thank you.

[@user-dl7qq4hp4p]

Love his approach, everyone thinks and remembers differently. Try to be understanding and not controlling. These issues are best met with kindness. They are already confused, just go with the flow...

[@janjbowman]

My mother has good long term memory but not much short term memory so I mostly stay in the past with her and then before I leave her nursing home .....she knows who I am . She is still in there.

[@syorich1403]

Janice, just don’t let her make jokes. My grandma used to greet me w “here comes my granddaughter w the President.” The nurses thought she was senile or crazy but my boyfriend’s name was Reagan and she had been in love w Ronnie for decades before he became the President.

[@bhud1972]

This runs in the family on my Dad’s side. He’s 75 now and in great condition, but so was my Grandad at 75. Things went downhill for my Grandad around 80. I hope my Dad makes it past that before he life gets bad for him.

[@whardy0410]

Hoping the best for you and your father 🙏🙏🙏

[@sharmisthabiswas7468]

Hopefully he will never ever get it.. Think positive..say positive words to him.. If he says something like my dad had it at so may be I will get it too.. Strongly suggest that its not genetic.. Even if it is tell him a new research found that it isn't.. Give him hopes.. Make him convinced that he wont have it and he truely never get it.. Trust me!

[@kathystewart8871]

So excellent, thank you and to this wonderful lady. A Very hopeful goal and OFTEN this is what is lacking in talking about this situation. Bring the lower higher. Awesome.

[@winkieblink7625]

This saddens me so much.

[@joyleenpoortier7496]

This is scary I have that instant forgetfulness of names or words but I will remember them later on.

[@snikkerr1949]

Joyleen Poortier Vitamin deficiency can cause that.

[@isabelboydcolhoun7420]

I have Fibromyalgia and memory loss is common but how then are we assessed!

[@isabelboydcolhoun7420]

Me too!

[@jadamills4082]

I have fibromyalgia & brain fog. Sometimes i get very confused, especially when im out doing things. In stores, paying bills, ect.

[@firefruitt]

@@jadamills4082 how’s it going ?

[@bigsmurf4727]

This is fantastic. And very educative. His method is very subtle and effective. Tough job to do seeing how these people silently suffer. Found this really eye opening too. My nan has dementia and is due to go into a sort of care home in a couple of weeks. I want to go see her and ask questions like Dr higher did to try and fire up certain receptors in my nans thinking.

[@bobcuriston4052]

I sat in on the assessment for my parents . The questions and answers were spookily familiar.. The care they both received afterwards was really excellent. Thank-you BC Health Care !

[@Deb-xp1qc]

What a kind woman

[@Jay_Bless]

The questions are coming so fast. They make the patient anxious. Sounds like a police interrogation I prefer a conversational type of assessment.

[@nataliebrooks9165]

To be fair it is probably edited a fair bit to make it flow.

[@raine0000]

I was thinking the same thing, it's actually kind of upsetting. He acts very unempathetic

[@melanie851]

I'm a language interpreter .I'm called to assist with cognitive assessments fairly frequently and I have to say that I have come across doctors and nurses who sound exactly like that.I don't know if it's because they are rushed and just want to close another case but I always find it upsetting.So far I have only came across one nurse why was truly human.Most of the time is just like that clip.At least when I interpret I try to give them the dignity and respect they so deserve ..Even though I have to remain impartial I can make my voice sound caring and respectful.These types of tests are heart- breaking so it's my way of showing that I care.

[@ajholt84]

@@melanie851 I perform these assessments as part of my job. The tests aren't designed to be cruel, they're designed to assess one's cognitive abilities. If they aren't done a certain way, the information obtained would not be useful. With all due respect, you are called in as a language interpreter, not as the physician/clinician assessing the patient. They are designed to be administered in a particular way to guarantee we get as much appropriate information as possible to make a proper assessment of their level of dementia (if any).

[@1whyvonne]

@@ajholt84 you’re missing @Zoe marsh ‘s point: assessment results are also affected by a client’s emotional state and reaction to the test. For example, when the test is given rapidly or without empathetic responses when they give an answer, right or wrong, the elder can feel embarrassed, shame or agitated. Some dementia patients have awareness of their condition and feel bad being a burden to their caregivers yet still can’t do ADL.

[@joeschultz2]

And yet, she still was able to subtract 7 from 100 and get 93 without using a calculator. That would put her ahead of the majority of adults walking around now.

[@gigisoglamorousipeeglitter7466]

Agreed.

[@keldonmcfarland2969]

Heartbreaking.

[@dankelly4747]

These are "THE GOLDEN YEARS" 👏👏👏👏

[@darblanchard3968]

Only thing golden in the golden years is your pee. 😜

[@jynxx37]

Am I the only one concerned that they didn't censor out that address? My HIPPA senses are tingling!

[@junbh2]

It's possible it wasn't actually her current address.

[@MrJetFormation]

Probably was inaccurate. Numbers are particularly hard for elderly people with brain issues.

[@karenmattson6750]

They didn’t give the city.

[@ajholt84]

HIPAA. lol It's also highly likely she signed a consent form for her information to be used for research and other educational purposes. Chances are though that the information she had given was incorrect (though obviously we don't know for sure).

[@BUSHCRAPPING]

@@karenmattson6750 pretty sure she says Newport

[@sandisandii2033]

My father in law had to do a test to renew his drivers license,and this was when he was in his 80s.They had him draw a clock.Ppl with dementia or the onset of it cant draw clocks. Joes memory was spot on but he had Parkinson's, thats another terrible illness.

[@c.kainoabugado7935]

Ty for this exposure. Aloha🌺

[@joskojansa1235]

Taking care of my demented dad for a year, his memory is the least of problems.

[@syorich1403]

Got it. Blessings on you. 😞

[@theresakleinfelder566]

Very informative. I help care for my mom who has vascular Dementia. It's a difficult to understand where she's at on the scale. I'm grateful that you explain the tests and results. I hope more people who watch this realize what this learn form it.

[@Adronitis]

Idk why he's treating the MMSE like a assessment battery.... it is a SCREENER.