My husband just turned 70. Two years ago he had a neuro-psych evaluation and was diagnosed with "Sluggish Cognitive Tempo." Of course, when I was told this, I thought it was malarkey! But I researched and he checks off all the boxes. We have been together 10 years, married 8 years, and none of this was evident until about 3-4 years ago when he became nasty and mean (he started an argument with me over baking soda...no joke) and his memory became horrible. His one doctor started him on testosterone injections (he does have very low T) and they made all the difference in the world!! But they caused polycythemia (high RBC, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit). So they cut the testosterone injections by 25%, which brought his numbers down a little. But now he is back to being mean, nasty and irrational, and his memory is crap again. Our bathroom remodel contractor walked away because of his irratic and nasty behavior. I honestly don't know if our marriage will survive this. Does anyone know if there are alternative treatments for SCT that work?
Get on the waiting list to be seen by a geriatrician MD or NP. They assess patients through the lens of the changes that are normal aging, and are familiar with the 'abornormal' ones, and treatments.
Could be thyroid, metabolic, pain, sleep apnea, fears and hallucinations that are not evident to you and that he will hide from you.
This is a hard place to be, for both of you. Good luck.
I truly appreciate your reply and great suggestions. Very helpful!
Polycythemia vera is rare. It usually develops slowly, and you might have it for years without knowing. Often the condition is found during a blood test done for another reason.
Without treatment, polycythemia vera can be life-threatening. But proper medical care can help ease signs, symptoms and complications of this disease."
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polycythemia-vera/symptoms-causes/syc-20355850
The Mayo usually isn't wrong about stuff. Are you *sure* it's the testosterone that caused it? Maybe consider getting a second opinion?
Did your hubby ever have concussions in his life, like from sports or an accident? CTE can cause people to become nasty and violent, but can only be diagnosed post-mortem. Maybe consider anxiety meds to see if they can take the edge off. I wish you much success in getting the right help.
And truth told, your marriage may NOT survive it. You may have decisions to make. I would begin by being certain there are not accounts you can be "locked out of".
It does say that it is a variety of ADHD. Has the doctor tried any of the medications that are commonly used for ADHD? It might be something to look into.
It also mentions medications for anxiety as well. It is a possibility that a combination of the two would work.