Understanding Normal Thinking vs. Dementia

[@DementiaCareblazers]

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[@terismedley7467]

I actually had the neuropsychological testing myself after I had concerns with my memory and feeling like my brain wasn't functioning like it normally does. I am 68 years old and wanted to (if nothing else) have a baseline to compare against in the future. The variety of testing was very interesting and I could readily see if they were looking at mental organization skills, memory skills, problem solving skills, and even understanding skills. Turns out my problems were a result of extreme stress, but knowing that it wasn't a decline in my brain process was a relief.

[@judyfeldman1315]

Thank you. My husband (79) and I (77) were tested to get a baseline after my husband fell. My husband was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. I was above normal. Your videos have helped me understand as I’m heartbroken seeing him recognize his situation. I’m terrified of our future but will continue to believe that learning as much as I can will help us both.

[@Querencia7779]

My grandmother who died of Alzheimer’s, was given a series of tests when she was deep in dementia. When she was asked to draw a clock, she drew the most beautiful mantle clock with sloped sides and perfect numbers. The doctor was blown away. Not everybody fits tests.

[@christinelamb1167]

This is something I am learning, that while there are common characteristics of dementia, not everyone follows exactly the same pattern. I recently reunited with my long-lost love from over 30 years ago who has dementia (and other serious health problems, unfortunately). He completely remembers me, he's never forgotten who I am, and that he loves me dearly. I am so grateful for that! But he is completely dependent now on his family and me to help him with basic daily living tasks. I've noticed, though, that he doesn't fit the typical characteristics in some ways. For instance, he can still sometimes remember things from decades ago if I bring it up. I can tell by the look in his eyes that he has full recall of the memory. So it's true, not everybody fits neatly into the "dementia box".

[@kimbeckner9240]

This is the normal dementia screening. Seems pretty clear

[@Loxydafoxx]

It’s not about fitting the test 😂 my dad drew a perfect clock and was still diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia because they weren’t actually worried about his ability to draw a clock and actually checking his level of decline with his memory, recall, orientation and so on

[@DorotheaALindsey]

Dr. Natalie Thank you for this video, my husband was tested 2 years ago and the Doctor never said what Dementia he had till this year, he has FLD and is 5 year old in a 75yr body. All the videos are of great help to us, Thank You for all you do.

[@MarieJesne]

Early diagnosis is so important. My auntie was diagnosed officially with MCI and in spite of Alzheimer's being known to run on that side of the family, she refused to go back for an official diagnosis until much, much later. In the meantime, as her mind declined, she was financially preyed upon. Since there was no POA or guardianship, we were helpless to stop it, and if she was asked directly she would either say she agreed to give the money, or she had no memory of it. If we had the official diagnosis sooner, I believe we could have prevented it or at least pursued some action against the scammer. This happened a while ago and thankfully the family has been able to come together and make sure she still has everything she needs. But a word of warning to anyone, please don't delay these tests. The wait list is already long enough. Delaying the diagnosis does not delay the effects of the disease, all it will do is leave you or your loved one vulnerable!

[@pintsizestories196]

Very good point. Many people are vulnerable long before a doctor will diagnose them.

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

yes, but if the doctors won't give them, how do you hold them accountable. You can't make them and you can't make your loved one do anything.

[@Loxydafoxx]

You could’ve gotten guardianship without the official diagnosis the law requires that a mental capacity assessment be completed before the case is finalized

[@cindyschroyer326]

When I was 64 I had a SAH and went through this testing. I remember many of the questions because I taught second grade for years. My clock was perfect. I failed other things. (like words that start with J) They tested me twice about a month apart and I had the same score. I'm 70 and continue working some of the time.

[@pintsizestories196]

I'm glad you explained that someone could still score above average and be suffering from dementia. I read somewhere that it's important to be aware of change not just absolute ability.

[@JanetLynnEthier]

Thank you so much, love your videos. Both of my parents were diagnosed with dementia. My father was diagnosed in 2019, and he passed away in 2021, and my mother was diagnosed in 2021 with Vascular Dementia and Dementia, so all the tips and explanations that you have made available to people have been a life saver for me. Having two parents with dementia was not something we expected, and certainly nobody wants to see their loved ones go through this horrible disease so any help is always greatly appreciated!

[@libertysprings2244]

I have worked with dementia patients and I think the PCP doctors underdiagnose dementia because many people can still get a 24/30 score on that little test in the office. Once the person can't live alone without assistance (forgets to take meds, can't pay their bills, forgets to take showers, etc) I think they should just diagnose dementia right then instead of dragging it out for years before referring to the neuropsychologist. Many people are struggling and need more help with tasks of daily living but their doctor just does nothing once they get the 24/30 score. I had dementia patients who could still do the clock drawing but could not be safely left alone. Whenever I went home from caregiving it felt like leaving a 4 year old alone. If doctors could give the diagnosis sooner maybe extended families would believe the caregivers that their loved one needs more than just 4 hrs a day help. You can't tell what they need from just talking to them on the phone or in the doctor's office since they can sound normal. Thanks so much for your channel helping to spread the word about these awful diseases. It is definitely not normal aging because I know people in their 90s who have no problems living alone and taking their meds, paying bills, keeping up with hygiene, etc.

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

I'm right there with you. My MIL is 101 and not tested at all. The new doctor did tell my husband that she has early dementia but, as of now, not one doctor has done a single teat that I know of or put anything even in MyChart. That's $250 please. See you in six months.

[@lisaware9697]

Thanks for your great perspective! Seeing this with our mom...and it is so hard to know what to do.

[@traveler7249]

Good stuff -- As you know, people are different, and some of us "need" to understand the "why" and "how" of an issue before seeing how to manage the issue. Please continue along this path of discussion.

[@AnneArmstrong-y3p]

So very helpful. My husband has been described as having mci for many years but this is the first time I have actually understood the difference. He does not appear to be getting worse, but the past 20 years have been hard on me, frustrating, and caused quite a few arguments before I understood that he wasn't just "lazy". Thank you so much.

[@smkh2890]

My 97-year-old mother was tested at our clinic for mental acuity, 6 months apart; she went from a 90% to a 60% success rate. We also had her tested with the famed Montreal test and she scored about 60% . Her deterioration is entirely due to the opiates she was given after a fall, in my opinion.

[@lisaware9697]

Yes, between opiates being overprescribed or not well managed and SSRIs being tossed at patients like candy (and given long term rather than short term), we're sure this is at least partial cause of my mother's mental decline.

[@desireehouse]

This was a great explanation of how the tests are scored, something I wasn’t aware of when my mom was diagnosed. At the clinic she went to, it was a half day appointment with the neuropsychologist, gerontologist and neurologist. They did the interview, testing and reviewed the medical tests. At the end, the neurologist came in with the diagnosis and next steps. She waited a long time for that appointment (6months, but they had been booked out over a year at one point) but it was worth it.

[@opietwoep1247]

Thanks for sharing. It was so hard watching my mom failing all of these tests. She is 4 years in and is 90 years old soon.

[@maypalmer]

Dr. Natalie, this video was incredibly helpful as I had my husband tested and he came in a 2 deviations from the mean. I joined your Careblazers Community and am so glad to be involved with such an incredibly caring and knowledgeable group of caregivers! Thank you Dr. Natalie for all of your God-Given energy, passion and grace in all that you present.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

So grateful to have you as part of our community! Sending love to you and your husband!

[@LoriMundis]

Great information - thank you - I've told so many people about your videos and all the help you have given me (my mom has undiagnosed dementia) - I have totally changed my mindset with my mom because of all of your help and advice! It makes our relationship so much better! Thank you again - With so much appreciation - Lori Mundis

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Thank you so much, Lori. Sending you and your mom so much love. 💖

[@robyn3349]

My loved one has only had the short doctor's office testing. It was helpful to me to hear the explanation of the clock test.

[@ayrahrothcontrarytopopular6104]

My mother is going for testing in a few weeks. This is helpful. Thank you

[@TheFeatheredCottageWithDee]

Thank you for this information. My husband has this testing next week. This is very helpful to me to understand what this testing tells us.

[@Friskyhorton]

Here in Australia, weve recently had trouble with sexual assaults in Dementia centres. Now i have witnessed sexual assault many times, between residents, and my reports were ignored. Its simply too difficult to prevent this in mixed sex dementia places. I am promoting single sex dementia places and wonder what you and others think. ?

[@leslierisan7603]

I love this option! Keep our elders safe and secure.

[@bayareagrl4ever526]

As a woman, and a female who has Ben sexual abused, raped, beaten, I’d prefer to be with only women and I thinks it’s outrageous that they are ignoring the sexual assault. If my parent was sexually assaulted, I’d sue the facility.

[@cleliaparnell8743]

Good idea!

[@LCinFla]

Thank you sooo much for this!! I can't believe this is 4 days old and I've just now found it... Just what I wanted to know about my mother's upcoming neuropsychology testing 😃👍

[@sallywade9340]

Thanks for the insight, husband has middle stages vascular dementia. No others symptoms. Diagnosed last year.

[@OldSchoolAntiques]

Thank you Dr. Natalie, you are heaven sent

[@soniatontodonati5514]

Your explanation was super detailed and VERY helpful. Thank you. In fact, it’s encouraged me to request a re-assessment for my mom’s dementia just to see what the decline has been and what the rate is. Thank you!

[@susanmcmichael5607]

I’m going to have that 4 hour test in May. I had it 3 years ago. I was MCI

[@happyfullman8133]

Thank you for this information. My husband will be tested soon & your video helps me know what to expect and also why we had to wait 6 months for the appointment. Knowing there is a tremendous amount of time involved for the doctor to analyze the data after the appointment, explains the long wait.

[@marialawson4971]

This was excellent. Very helpful thankyou. You are such a delight as you pour your heart and info into your videos.I love your passion to help others - believe me you really are a precious blessing to so many as you explain things so clearly.❤ Losing one's mind, slowly slipping away is tragic. Your info is invaluable. A Mri and Pet noted changes in temporal and parietal sections of my brain. I knew something wasn't right as most days I have nil motivation or drive- always tired with little energy. Less focus and attention, not reading as much as before, feeling stiff often, depression often becoming unbearable. Often withdrawing at these times. I have battled depression since teenage yrs, medication of little help. I am now 68 and it was helpful to hear you say if dementia is caught earlier it is better as comparisons can be made. Could you give me some indication of what damage to parietal lobes does pls? Thankyou for the excellent work of care blazers- great name😊

[@nancyhollywood288]

This was very helpful. The best and only explanation of these tests I have seen. My husband was tested almost 6 years ago and never went back for further testing. He is definitely worse than he was then.

[@TheAkagai]

I like that at the end of the video, you qualified the results according to the "individual". -- It does seem the important comparison is the Delta between what is "normal" for that individual and their present state. i.e., A normally "gifted" person who would have scored well above average and is now at average is showing a "decline" in mental abilities.

[@TheAkagai]

THIS is helpful. I would like to see more information for the "patient" who has probable dementia (symptoms/PET Scans, etc.) - I just took the series of tests and await the results, so it is also very timely.

[@angelaharris1112]

I did mine in January. I have mild dementia.

[@WaldinaRando]

This explained so much and provided clarity. I understand so much more. Thank you!

[@nukejets]

So, what about people who have very high IQs. My first neuropsych test in 2017 diagnosed MCI and estimated my IQ as about 130 with impairment of executive function and processing speed. My 2023 test estimated my IQ as 110 with disfunction in most domains and 3 domains at

[@NoulesTch]

Great question, same for my dad!

[@user-hi8rg7bl2s]

Same question. Is the overall assessment less valid without a baseline of the individual, eg, in case of person with above average functioning pre-decline.

[@Jen-ur4ut]

I have also been wondering how ones lifelong intelligence affects test results whether said intelligence was high, average or slightly below average. There must be some skew.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

This was explained toward the end of this video. If you haven't met with a neuropsychologist, that is recommended.

[@susanpolk4528]

Yes my husband lost executive functioning years ago but frustratingly still gets normal range scores. I'm no longer going to take him for follow up testing since the FDG PET scan was clearly diagnostic for Alzheimer's.

[@danadrummond4578]

This video is very helpful. My mom suffered with this horrible disease and passed away last July. I asked the neurologist to do a scan but he said it wouldn't make a difference with no explanation. I only assume that it is because she was more advanced and it a MRI would not help determine type however he should have explained more. Unfortunately, i didn't ask at the time. I encourage everyone to ask questions and push providers to talk and communicate and if they don't, find someone else. Our loved ones deserve the best care possible.

[@DanaLong-e1g]

Thank you for another great video! You are covering some really important topics. You are such a gifted teacher. Please keep bringing us more videos like these. 😃🐶

[@jodysheridan604]

Thank you, after the neuro-psych eval to assess cognitive function, this tells me a bit about why I scored higher than I feel I'm functioning. I am a 66yo epileptic and 30yr post right temporal lobe, amygdala and hippocampus resection. There is significant atrophy and sclerotic tissue in the fronto-temporal area. I also have 17yr education with multiple degrees.

[@angelaharris1112]

I just had a 2 1/2 hr test my neuro sent me to. I know I did have problems with some and would never ask why this test Based on my MRI, looks like I have Alzhiemers. Per my neuro. Thanks for all the info you provide.

[@KimberlieOtt]

Yes, this was so helpful to me! Thank you!!!

[@marciatreffman8482]

Thank you for this clear and understandable explanation of the "mystery" of neuropsych testing. I look forward to more information on the disease process.

[@kathygill1923]

Thank you for demonstrating and explaining the methods and purpose of testing. My MILWD was diagnosed after having only the mini cog administered by her PCP staff. The woman was not very intuitive and kept pressing my MIL when she faltered instead of simply moving on with the test. Her (my MIL's) willingness to continue decreased and she became very paranoid and suspicious at future appts. Her memory of feeling "cornered" seemed to kick in the instant this woman produced a sheet of paper and the negative attitude impacted the entire office visit. Imo, there was nothing to gain by requiring her to revisit her "failures" at office visits every 3 months. In light of thise experiences, we will likely have no other testing to measure her decline. We are simply schlepping along, doing the best we can for her at whatever level she is currently at and trying to educate ourselves about symptoms and possible ways to address as we go along. My fear is that, lacking extensive neuropsychological testing, she will not have established a road map to reference when the time comes that prescriptions might be helpful to alleviate delusions, paranoia, etc.

[@bevamiller7926]

Thank you! This was incredibly helpful. We are currently waiting to be scheduled for testing

[@susanpolk4528]

Very helpful. Thank you. It explains why the neurologist always references my husband's advanced education and professional history when talking about the test scores.

[@kentandvivianallan6770]

Super super helpful to understand the process of my Mother's Dementia Journey, thank you so much

[@richardbrooks7157]

Wow your are so so amazingly great and brilliant are you a teacher at some point because you are so awesome and brilliant your videos are so so informative and inspiring my mum has now just being diagnosed with dementia just today you are so so great xxxxxxxxxx

[@lindagraham8884]

Thanks!

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Thank you, Linda 💖

[@louisegrove4248]

Thank You!!!

[@edwardb7811]

Very clear explanation! Thanks

[@NancyWilliams-k1c]

Exceedingly helpful!!

[@AlbertD711]

This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@MichelleCocklinMurray]

Yes it was helpful. My husband not home family still have him very sad situation for him and me.

[@jangiles3009]

Very well explained. Thank you

[@HardlyAMemory]

My husband is 67 years old and over a period of several months starting having problems. First personality changes, irritability, etc. then a sudden change in memory of significant, but recent events. So we’re on this path of testing. Regular MRI shows some brain volume loss. And a small stroke. And referral for neuro psych testing. But what of that 30 question screening test? How much does that really tell us? His came out in the MCI range, just one point from “dementia”. Can you explain the benefits of that screening test?

[@MarySmith-ry9cu]

Yes this was helpful! How do I find a good professional to perform the test and how do I talk my loved one into it?

[@nickkaufmann4324]

Very helpful. I have some background in statistics so i understand the curve and SDs so now i can put my wife's testing in context...and know what questions to ask the doc. Yeah! Thanks.

[@AndreaRobertson-t2x]

Could u tell me how my mom's appetite has returned? She got down to 72 lbs and wasn't eating nothing but Frosted Flakes. Now she eats most everything. She has severe late stage dementia

[@jessiec1194]

After two months in the hospital with metabolic encephalopathy I couldn’t do the clock to save my life. After a month at home (and some practice) I did it fine. But it was pretty shocking to see how much I’d lost. Now, I could text and type but I had my phone as I recovered in the rehab.

[@judyevans2205]

Very helpful. What can I do with my husband when he gets angry about not being able to do something but continues on till he gets mad and throws something. When diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment the doctor said he focuses on tasks and has trouble moving on. Ant strategies you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

[@jimstewart7942]

Thank you -- helped clear up some questions

[@MarthaJoPatterson]

How do I locate someone who can help my clients and people who contact me find someone to evaluate their loved ones? I am an elder law attorney in Orange County, California and also formerly a caregiver to my husband who passed from Alzheimer's. Most primary doctors just do a Mini Mental, and either wrongly say the person is okay or if they do poorly just send them home with a diagnosis.

[@christinerose5170]

My father is in the advanced stage of dementia. He has had 3 different testings over the years. We have an appointment tomorrow with the team to go over his recent test results. Should he be in that meeting? This is really for the family to know exactly which dementia he has and his outlook for the future. thoughts?

[@tsworld9183]

Took my mom for testing about 3years ago and they told me it would take up to 8 hours and to go home they would call me when she was done. It didn't take me 20 minutes to get home and they called and said she was done, because she refused to answer the question about alcohol and drugs said it didn't refer to her. Now I can't get her to go to any doctor and she says I can't make her go anywhere. She's getting really bad and I can't get any professionals to help me help her. So I'm stuck she acts so normal in front of strangers and doctors and says nothing is wrong with her, it's just age at 82. I need help and advice.

[@maryzajac1136]

My late husband's mother was hospitalised 5 yrs ago after calling for an ambulance stating she felt unwell. Diagnosed with pneumonia and kept for a few days in a geriatric ward they quickly realised she had cognitive impairment. On testing that year her diagnosis was vascular dementia. A year later at geriatrician appt she had declined substantially and also confirmed Frontal lobe dementia. All the time telling the Dr it was just her age (then 90) and that she was ok. Fast forward 2 years, a fall had her in a rehab centre specialising in geriatric care and was determined a risk to herself and no longer able to live alone at home. End result now living in aged care facility and rapidly declining. I felt awful seeing her go into a home 15 months ago as she was not happy, but the other day stated she knew there was "something wrong with my head" and is glad the drs made the decision to keep her there (a moment of lucidity and clarity). Long story short, persevere best you can. I take solace knowing she has 24 hr care should she need it (and had recently needed hospital checks/ xrays due to a decent fall) but also time to be on her own if that's what she wants. Overall she is happy for the company of other residents in similar phases and has made friends with a few of them. Peace of mind for me as I am widowed (her eldest son, unexpectedly and suddenly died) and the stress of losing him and taking on her care unaware of the situation she was in, was causing huge problems to my physical and mental health. Best wishes to you...

[@tsworld9183]

@@maryzajac1136 thank you

[@MiriamFrance-k1d]

One suggestion would be to try and see if you can set up a geriatrician to visit her in her own home. They are great at just having a conversation and giving them the time of day and will not come across so doctorish...

[@LakeOuachita]

Wow. This is great information and explains a lot. Your graphics are wonderful. My dad had dementia, sadly he was too far along before a diagnosis of what kind. I really think it was Lewy Body. My concern… do i need to worry? Should I get a baseline assessment? Dad was 84…i am 68.

[@donnagunn8632]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@pauladuncanadams1750]

When my mom was caring for my step-father, who was sundowning, they told her it was because of dementia. She was annoyed with his doctor and said to him, "Why didn't you tell me?" His response, "Well, you're a bright woman; I thought you knew."

[@yvonnearrick4429]

This was extremely helpful.

[@patriciabruffino8765]

Very Helpful, thank you!

[@micah6855]

Thanks for the explanation

[@paularichards8543]

I have a question: my mother was diagnosed with MCI and failed her driving test. She was then given an MRI w/o contrast that showed severe brain atrophy and high risk of stroke- lots of damage in the frontal lobes. She has a long history as a migraine sufferer, severe hand tremor (only in one hand) and high blood pressure. Does this change the MCI diagnosis? She behaves erratically and her personality is cruel and crazy which is completely different than from a decade ago. She has begun badgering, threatening and physically harming my father. APS was called in twice when the nurses witnessed it. She was escorted out of the hospital by security- all 94lbs of her. She refuses to continue with the neuropsychiatrist and undergo the PET scan w/contrast and lies about seeing the doctor. Should we assume that it is dementia without a formal diagnosis?

[@whitneysawyer483]

Very interesting information. Good video :)

[@Woodman-Spare-that-tree]

Do the people who can’t draw a clock RECOGNISE that the clock doesn’t look normal? Or do they think their clock is OK?

[@ggjr61]

This probably depends on the individual. I knew one person who couldn’t get the number locations correct and definitely knew it.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

It certainly depends, but I've tested many people who have no idea that their clock doesn't look correct and think they did fine. I've also tested others who are very frustrated they can't seem to get it right. As with all answers in dementia, it depends on the individual because dementia doesn't impact all people the same.

[@susanh3442]

This was helpful information.

[@jonfrederickson3269]

You gave a useful lecture on the statistical significance of the Bell Curve. However, you did not specify the criteria that would allow us to differentiate mild cognitive impairment from dementia. A lecture on that subject would be useful.

[@carla-anne]

I have a question. My mom has had a few tests done and we’re waiting for a referral to a memory clinic. But the thing that concerns me is that some days she’s just fine! We don’t notice any impairment. But the next time I see her she asks after the health of my late husband, forgets how to use the coffee maker or blender, and is irritated at everything! I’m not allowed in the testing room. How well do these tests work when she’s having a “good” day? It’s really frustrating to not have a diagnosis. Yet she seems to be by able to pull out all the stops and perform moderately well on test day. Then the next day doesn’t know how to answer her phone. How do the good days impact the assessment?

[@tracysicchitano413]

The good days don’t impact any of their tests. Drs should put a value on good day vs bad day but they don’t. We went through this for 7 yrs, even at the end when she started hospice. They came for intake evaluation on a good day. Did not care that I said it was her only good day in weeks. Labeled her long term hospice with only 2 visits per week. She was gone within a month😢and hospice didn’t start daily visits until her last week. Best advice is bring video evidence and make them watch, which is the only way we had hospice approved.

[@cynthiasparks1222]

I’m not sure my husband has dementia. March will be 9 years since I noticed deficits. It doesn’t seem he’s getting much worse. He had a severe back injury 36 years ago in he’s in constant debilitating pain. Could that be some or most of his problem?

[@Rustytoolgardener]

I can’t even get my DW’s doctor to send her for testing. He says not to push her and go slowly. What the heck does that mean?

[@joditofstad9240]

I’m curious , other than a research benifits is there really a good reason to subject a loved one to stress of a 3- 4 hour testing appointment? I found the results interesting for my LO but truly not worth the overwhelming stress she experienced during the assessment and for a good time afterwards

[@heartofglass7235]

i skipped that piece for my mom. it was pointless

[@julietsithole9461]

I like how you teaching

[@georgetteedwards5719]

What happens if as a caregiver, you don't agree with the Neuro/Psych report? I took my husband for testing, and I found errors in the report....things like stating that my husband is in charge of the money, but he is not. Needing help with daily needs, etc.

[@anneobriencarelli5549]

Why does some literature include MCI under the Dementia umbrella (with different forms of dementia such as AD) and others identify it as separate from dementia and imply that someone diagnosed with MCI could remain in that category and not eventually move under the umbrella? Very confusing.

[@Jojo1988kitty]

This was very helpful! I’m trying to decide whether to ask for the neuro psych evaluation. The MMSE score was 17 a few months ago, and the EEG, a few days ago, was normal. So primary care doc said my mom was in early stages of Alzheimer’s and neurologist is not calling it Alzheimer’s yet based on her symptoms. So I’m like who’s going to give us an accurate diagnosis?? MRI showed some brain shrinking but was described as “normal age related shrinking”. She has memory issues, definitely slowing in tasks, some impaired judgment, balance issues, trouble focusing. Help. Should I request the neuro psych testing?

[@joycecarignan5052]

Should someone with LBD n a touch of Parkinson have a Neurophysic testing? He has had the test his neuro gave him i.e. drawing the clock n other questions. I think you mentioned "the normal Dementia testing" Please advise He sees his neuro doc every 6 months. Thank you for all the info you have provided!!❤

[@joycecarignan5052]

@Dr Nataile. Please reply to my question above. Thank you?!!

[@DementiaCareblazers]

you can ask neurologist if neuropsychological testing would be beneficial. It may or may not be depending on how far along your loved one is in the disease process.

[@joycecarignan5052]

@@DementiaCareblazers thank you!!

[@lindawilson4625]

So what happens if they refuse to do the test? No care... no coverage?

[@colleenfrancesvandeven3612]

thank you

[@benzapp1]

That is a very cool touchscreen device!

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Thanks! Still learning how to use it.

[@lindagraham8884]

Wow, thanks for explaining that, I was lucky I had a doctor get back to me when my mom went thru the testing. I was tested too but laughed at it, I promise not to laugh anymore.

[@BC-vx7zq]

What can be done if someone refuses testing?

[@DementiaCareblazers]

We care for them the best we can.

[@meagiesmuse2334]

I wonder how you can determine this in someone who had a TBI with neuro-psych testing that made the doctor amazed that she could even walk with that amount of brain damage, yet her IQ was still in the upper gifted range. That was more then 30 yrs, ago and only recently has her short term memory almost totally disappeared. She aced the SAGE test in spite of that. It is all quite confusing with so many variables.

[@susanmann5286]

This is an excellent video. However, score consideration will also (surely?) depend upon the person's disabilities, too...right?

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Yes, absolutely!

[@mrs.e3909]

I don't understand doctors "not having time". In cases of caring for our loved ones they certainly need to "make time". My mother has been in care almost 3 years and I am yet to be able to talk to her doctors at her facility. This just irritates me to no end. Care conferences have been discontinued for the most part with staffing shortages these days.

[@markvoelkel-l4k]

How do I get to the real video I want to watch? Instead I get all these info videos?

[@brendareed5050]

The medical system needs to come up with tests for blind patients!

[@Woodman-Spare-that-tree]

9:20 Actually the MODE tells you what is normal. The MEAN does NOT tell you what most people are like.

[@senator558]

In a normal Gaussian distribution, probability is distributed symmetrically about the mean. Accordingly, the mean is the most appropriate measure of central tendency.

[@bacjac8072]

At this point in time, is there really any legitimate reason not to have established "norms" for ages 80 to 100?

[@tracysicchitano413]

We all have colonoscopies at age 50- the same should be true for neuropsychological.

[@eileenparker1382]

”my mother hates me, she was just here and she is so mean to me.” “I should be six feet under” I ve tried to calm her in so many ways… nothing works… she talks constantly and doesn’t slow down to listen…. When I do, I’ve tried to say she isn’t the only one Grandma didn’t like. (True) She won’t be here to upset you anymore I promise…..( I think she dreams and they are very real to her. ) Finally I hate to say this but I’ve had to tell her mother died….then she’s upset that she didn’t know or wasn’t. there for her… How do I calm… redirecting doesn’t work , she keeps going back to the subject…

[@daniellukensow4095]

My wife has been to the neurologist but hasn't taken any Q&A to determine where on the bell she would be.

[@davidcharlesworth648]

OK In the ideal world shou, it takes several months just to get an appointmentld be tested. In the real world it takes months to get an appointment with a neurologist. They see you fot 15 minutes and on to the next patient. Your next appointment might also be a few months down the road. She had a stroke about 8 years ago. It's hard to blame the doctors since they have too many patients assigned to them and if you are on Medicare, their reimbursements are set by some pin head in Washington. So in my wife's case, the only test she had was a brain scan and an MRI . And I'm sure our situation is not, sadly, uncommon. If she was younger (she is 77) and not on Medicare but regular insurance which paid the doctors more, maybe the situation would be different. The present medical status in the US is not great, especially for the elderly population. So what we have relied upon to diagnose that my wife has dementia is one doctor's opinion who only had test results from two scans. Most of her dementia I as her husband, have noted in her day to day cognitive decline. (doesn't sometimes recognize me, asks the same qustions over and over again, has lost mobility ability, no longer reads books, doesn't want to do things that she used like to do and is not cable of understanding how to play cards). It is sad. I was her caregiver for the past several years 24/7 and it got too much for me (I am 80). I was going morning until night. She is now in assisted living and not doing well there (has fallen several times). Next step unfortunately will be a nursing home.

[@abenafrimpong4271]

Yes please. It was very helpful

[@barneyrubble9309]

This always assumes the patient can even understand the questions.

[@susanmcmichael5607]

Can’t see what’s on your screen! It’s just white

[@WW-sw8ls]

Imagine the last 3 generations?.. kids don’t even know how to read an analog clock! won’t be able to even draw a circle when it’s their turn!!

[@ronica2623]

lol….sorry. Funny but sad.