I'm often posting about my mom with dementia, but tonight, I just found out that my 58 year old brother is experiencing some of the same symptoms. He has severe heart disease and has had a mini stroke in the past 2 years. Recently, he has had episodes of confusion, inability to focus, and trouble concentrating. Last week he had a temperature of 103 and was diagnosed with pneumonia, but not hospitalized.He says he won't go to a "crazy doctor", so I'm going to schedule an appointment with his cardiologist. Can anyone give me any insight into this? Dealing with my 84 year old mother is one thing...but this is my brother. I'm a wreck and I don't know what to do.
Will your brother be forthcoming with the cardiologist about his cognitive issues? Will you be attending the appointment with him? It might be good to provide a list of concerns to the doctor in advance. See if the clinic will accept an email or a fax. Explain that your brother trusts this doctor and that is the reason for the appointment, and that you realize referral to a different specialist may be appropriate.
Best wishes to you and your brother. Please let us know how this plays out.