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My 90-year-old mother was diagnosed Alzheimer's. When she was diagnosed her doctor gave her the standard medications. He told me it is very difficult and to talk to someone at the Alzheimer's Society.  I am guessing he figures if he can't fix it why bother.  I have got to another GP and he was nice, but had the same attitude.  Am I expecting too much from my doctor?

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It's not just you. They are clueless. It has to change because it wastes a phenomenal amount of time for the patients and their families.
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I have found the Doc to have an attitude of..."ah well, she's 90...what do you expect".

I know I am probably the bitchy daughter over at that clinic, but.. brushing Mom off isn't going to fly with me. I want help...solutions if they are available...but some help with identifiable issues. Hard to get.
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There are geriatric doctors. Also neurologists that are more in tuned.
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What exactly were you expecting the doctor to do differently? I know that from most of my encounters with doctors, that most don't really know much about dementia. I have had to explain things to them, like why my LO is in a wheelchair. I'm serious.

Because Alzheimers and other conditions that cause dementia involve damage to the brain, I suppose that the doctor doesn't have much to offer in the way of hope, treatment or prognosis. I think it might be different with a Geriatric doctor.

 My LO sees a Geriatric Psychiatrist and he is very well informed.  Her current primary treats residents in AL facilities, so he is well versed too. 
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When Mom was experiencing "crashes". The Doc just threw his hands in the air. I did the research. I dug for info...I discovered that an increase in diltazem could likely help her.....and bumping it up 50% did show a big improvement. But...why didn't the Doc know this? If he did, why didn't he just move to increase the meds?

I have found time and again...helpful, practical advice here has help me to narrow my search down. Nothing the Doc has said or done has helped improve situations ... unless I brought up the idea.
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I think it is because dementia is a problem which cannot be solved - it cannot be prevented or cured

The neuro I took mom to when she was about to turn 93 asked me what my objectives were for her care - I didn't see any need to try and sedate her to do an MRI even though she's atypical in her abilities to do math and spell backwards and draw a clock etc which she can still do as she approaches 94 - my goal isn't to forestall memory loss so she is not on any of those types of meds - if she was younger it might be different but my goal is to keep her anxiety down without turning her into a zombie so she can enjoy whatever time she has left
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Also the people at the Alzheimer's Association are nice, but they will probably just refer you back to your doctor for any specific questions you have, unless there is a good support group in your area with other spouses and children who've gained knowledge through experience.

I feel like when someone gets a big diagnosis like that, insurance companies should pay for a 45 min appt for a dr and social worker to discuss the diagnosis with the patient and family. Instead it's 15 minutes (if you're lucky) and "Have a pamphlet."
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I have learned more on here at aging care....and Teepa Snow!!
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Personally, I would not trust a doctor that didn't understand Alzheimers or Dementia prescribing my parent meds for it. A GP is just that a General Practicioner that knows a little of everything but not specializing in any one thing.
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I keep reading when my parent was diagnosed. How do they diagnose a person? I was at the dr today with my mom and was told there is no test.
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