Family members and some employees of mine and my GP Doctor insist I I get tested. I am reluctant, but I forget a lot now, trouble spelling, make bad decisions get confused in driving. I am 71. On antidepressives.
Hi Cetude, I saw your comments on Aricept. I am a patient diagnosed 5yrs ago with Early Onset ALZ. My most recent Neuropsych Exam, says I am now in Moderate-Severe Dementia. I was put on Aricept the day I received the diagnosis. My Neuro Doctor told me it could take 3-6mos before I noticed and difference and it was almost 6mos to the day. Yes diarrhea is an issue. I found that by eating about 1/8 of a jar of Honey Roasted Peanuts just before sleeping have reduced diarrhea by about 80% of my days are pretty good, very little diarrhea. I had a lot of trouble reading when I hit the 6mo point, I was able to continue reading at my regular pace, but I could not remember what I read the next morning. I concluded, Aricept allowed me to focus better on what I was doing. I couldn't remember much of what I'd read, but I enjoy it and Aricept allows me to do that. I am also taking Donepezil and Memantine. Yes, I know I'm declining however the above mentioned drugs used together has allowed me to continue traveling with my family and doing other activities, like volunteer work and getting my hands dirty. I gave up driving 18mos ago of my own volition. I walked in to the DMV and they didn't know what to do with me. They told me we only see people sent here to surrender their license by the Courts or their Doctors. No these drugs do not offer a cure, but I'm convinced I've been able to cram a lot in to these last 5 yrs with no doubt I've had a ball. I hope many more of us can benefit from what I've learned walking my journey.
Thank you for sharing your situation and question. It's too rare that we ger to hear from people who may/do need treatment, testing etc.. This helps me better relate to how my mom may feel which helps me empathize more.
I agree with most of the advice already stated.
Facing the situation will remove uncertainty and give you information you need.
It's important to consider all social, psychological amd medical factors that can contribute to your situation.
Antidepressants are important tools for those who need them and like all medicines do have various side effects, so pros and cons muat be weighed and if with research and medical guidance it is determined the meds are a factor, it is important to devise and follow a plan of action with your psychiatrist.
Note: If you haven't already, consider talking with a psychiatrist about possible effects of the medicine because they have deeper knowledge of various conditions and the medicines and dosages available to treat them. If you are only seeing GP for the depression you could be missing out on a lot.
I read nearly all the answers so far I don't believe anyone has mentioned this. My husband's diagnoses started with a CAT scan followed up by a PET scan. The CAT scan showed brain shrinkage that signified dementia. The PET scan was on a special machine as part of a program sponsored by Medicare. He went to a specialist followed up by a second opinion by another specialist. The point however is, get at least 2 opinions. By including the CAT and PET scans, I feel we actually had 4 opinions, all said the same.
Aricept may help if you are diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
is it possible that the meds you are one might be causing some of the confusion? did you ask your doctor or the pharmacists about that? they should be able to tell you. in the world we live in, depending if you use alot of technology, it does all the spell check for a person, or actually corrects it, so no wonder we forget how to spell. also with the world NOT teaching the kids of tomorrow in not how to actual write (they call it cursive)...i don't know how they will handle legal documents that need an actual live signature. won't worry about the testing, get it done. IF you do find you have a "little" decline in memory, you can start taking some meds now to prevent it from getting worse. I wish you luck.
I think you’ll feel better when the test is over. I don’t like the anticipation of things with uncertain results, who does? The anticipation of the test must be awful for you but take the fears one at a time, or as they come, and just hang on.
It's impossible to not "answer questions honestly" on a cognitive exam! They're memory questions and questions designed to test your brain's ability to grasp and retain information...you can't "lie", in other words. I've sat thru 10 MoCa exams with my mother and she can either draw a clock on a piece of paper or she can't. There's no fudging it!
Now that many of our resident "medical experts" have demonized antidepressants for the millionth time, I'd like to say they're a LIFE SAVER for those in need of them. Antidepressants are a game changer and not some new age LSD that's going to dissolve your brains into fried grits. Continuing to attach stigmas to mental health issues, as we constantly see here, creates fear about asking for and getting help when we truly need it. Fear of developing dementia or Alzheimer's, fear of being called Crazy or being laughed at or ridiculed by our peers. Suggesting you wean yourself off of your medication because it's causing your dementia like symptoms is a horrible and dangerous thing to say! Please ignore such advice and only follow your DOCTOR'S orders with everything you do moving forward. The internet is rife with differing opinions and you know what they say about opinions.
Wishing you the best of luck with your testing and a good outcome with the results.
In rare instances undiagnosed Lyme's disease can mimic dementia https://www.lymedisease.org/members/lyme-times/2016-fall-news/kris-kristofferson-lyme-disease and also if you are on thyroid meds and you lose weight and your meds were not adjusted for the loss, this could also cause dementia-like symptoms (happened to my 68-yr old cousin just recently). Also I concur that you should still see a neurologist. Wishing you all the best and peace in your heart!
CHEAT!!! Okay, only kidding. If so many have concerns about you, better to do it sooner than later I would guess, if you have a good working relationship and like your GP. Trouble spellling is not a sign of dementia necessarily. Depression and medications can play a role, possibly negative....but if you get lost when driving, you are at risk and that's scary. When I first saw the signs in my mom, her family mediciine doc listened to me and then advised me to not come on the next routine visit and he'd check things out. He did one of the basic exams and was stunned at her poor results. That led to my getting her in to see a well-regarded expert in the are who is a neurologist. He confirmed the diagnosist of dementia, mixed type. I'm not sure what I would do in your shoes...I might want to set up an appt with someone who specializes and skip the GP to get a more accurate diagnosis from the start. What if it was simply a matter of switching or changing doses of the drug you are on? Sometimes it can even be caused by a nutritional issue. And don't overlook that stress re testiing can be a factor too. Wishing you all the best and good news and good friends.
I worked as a Social Worker at a memory care center and was part of the team that performed testing and provided recommendations based on the outcome of the tests. I highly recommend that you go to a memory care center for testing if there is one in your area. If not, I would make certain that you engage a practitioner that will strongly consider your psychosocial state. Medication, emotional turmoil (grief, moving, depression, anxiety), illness, and vitamin deficiency can all render cognitive impairment and memory loss that mimics types of dementia. We would require that the person undergo a physical to determine things such as absence of UTI or low B12 in particular. We would ask questions that reveal state of mind and hardships. I now work as an independent caregiver/companion and had a client that was misdiagnosed with Alzheimers. It turns out it was a medically induced dementia! Best of luck to you in finding a caring and competent practitioner.
Cricket6901 - I am sending you my prayers. I am inspired by the way you are facing this question. Hoping you get helpful answers, and are sent everything that is needed to support you moving forward. One good thing already is I think you have found a great online community and we will continue to be here for you.
While true NOT to stop meds without Dr. on board. Any medicine can cause Any reaction in different. Anti depressants can make you slow witted (even younger people - we all know who are the Prozac folks at work). May help in some areas and cause problems in others. Husband was given Arricept (evil as far as we are concerned). After 2 weeks of pure hell and having DR say it couldn't do that - (started day after beginning medication). took him off of it, quick scared Wake-up moment and he came out of crazed state. Turned out he had Normal Pressure Hydrocephelus(Spelling). After shunt surgery he was much improved. Get with your Dr. Be sure to note when symptoms started, when drugs started, etc. Also, good advice - arrange for possible care needs now (financial and physical).While you can make your own decisions.
Hi, I care for my mom she's 90 now, but when she was 80, we the family bought puzzle books, quizzes, coloring books and crayons to keep mom's cognitive abilities strong. You have to strengthen yours to get it back strong. Till this day she is still sharp in her thinking. Tc
I would suggest to be honest. While I'm sure you're scared, be honest with your answers so that the best assessment can be made and you can get the best help if/when needed.
Please get the tests done, since you clearly have something going on that is not good. Should it be dementia, you want to start making some preparations and "get your ducks in a row."
Ignoring the situation will NOT make it go away. Surely, you want to know "what you are dealing with" - yes?
BTW - I am a former psychiatric nurse. Please do NOT stop your anti-depressive medication(S) unless your GP advises it; doing so might make things much worse.
My Mom died of Alzheimer’s in 1987. She was 72. I was her Caregiver for the last 13 years of her life, myself and my kids. She was a legally blind, hearing impaired diabetic. <~ (background). It was hard. We were very poor. WE SURVIVED. I am now 76. I requested a more comprehensive test. I forget things, a lot now. I passed with flying colors but the professional doing the test said she felt I had “a major depressive disorder”. And wanted to prescribe meds. I refused. I refused because she hadn’t asked a lot of pertinent questions. Before I went to see her I had several deaths close to me. I told her I had just lost my best friend, husband and son, as well as several close friends, and while I knew I had some depression they were as far as I was concerned more “situational” than the symptoms of a disorder. I feel rather strongly about these meds being prescribed when we are older: seen it. Docs are too quick to put us on meds that make us worse. Black box warnings about cognitive changes in the elderly are common. I am glad I took the test. I am a cancer survivor and knew some of my issues are related to the cancer treatment. Read: chemo brain. Fatigue. Etc. Best of luck. But be your own advocate. Research everything.
I am so impressed with people who recognize dementia or the possibility and deal with it directly. It shows how good judgment and reasoning ability can affect its sad course. They enable you to enjoy the rest of your life and the people in it so much more. I hope I am as fortunate.
I have been thinking about this post, your question and I am wondering if your exam should not be with a Neuropsychologist or a Neurologist rather than your GP. I am not saying a GP would not give a good exam but I think a Neuropsychologist or Neurologist would be better and they can order more advanced test if they think it is called for. The worst thing would be for your GP to give you an exam and say, "come back in 6 months and we will repeat this and compare the two tests" . then you have to wait 6 months then possibly go for further testing. I think that is a waste of time and can cause increased anxiety. If it is not to late ask your doctor for the name of a Neuropsychologist or neurologist that he/she works with and set up an appointment with them.
When you go for testing, be sure you have someone with you to take notes and let the PsyD know everything at intake: Your current meds, your balance issues, and all the responsibilities you are juggling. It sounds like you're under a lot of stress, and worrying may even be adding to your memory problem. There is a lot of good advice on this forum, but you need the professionals to guide you - step by step - through the process. You can do it!
Dear Cricket6901, I write from the perspective of one who is now in Moderate to Severe level of ALZ. I was diagnosed 5 yrs ago with Early onset ALZ. The first mistake I made was not having a family member with me when the Neuropsych Exam was given. I wasn't told, I should have someone with me. I also got the follow up appointment and really wish I had someone with me. The Doctor said to me he was uncomfortable with me driving. My Neuro Doctor, told me when she saw the report that I still wasn't at the point where I shouldn't drive. Neurologically I was fine, and that we'd keep having the talk at each follow up appointment. Last year just as the lockdown for COVID 19 was happening, I came home from doing my errands, and I said to my DW it was time to hang up the keys. I wasn't able to surrender my license until August because it took 5 mos to get an appointment with the DMV to surrender it. Now, I haven't been behind the wheel in 17 mos., and I have never said, I wish I could drive since. When I had my most recent Neuropsych exam my DW was with me for both appointments. When you are making bad decisions by driving it is time to hang up the keys. I would suggest you have a have a Neuropsych Exam and after you have the results, if you are diagnosed with ALZ or another Dementia start having a discussions with your family about, what you want for treatment and don't want. We all walk on a different journey, everyone is not the same. I was 57 when I was diagnosed, I was 61 when I turned in the keys and have no idea where they are. I would engage with your Doctor and put together a Care Plan focusing on your needs. We all walk along the same trail, but have a different journey. I would get in touch with the ALZ Association and check in to a Local Caregivers Program for your family. Where I live, there is a group called the Forgetful Friends, Our group is unusual in that they allow Patients to be a part of the group and all Caregivers and Patients discuss their particular journey. I also began reading about Dementia on Agingcare and then after a month or so, I began replying to questions posed. I hope you find my comments of benefit to you. I'll remember you in my prayers. God Bless you.
Get tested by a neurologist, please. Before your appointment, make sure to get a full night's sleep and eat a good meal - then you should be at your best. Answer questions honestly.
The doctor is trying to discover what is causing your problems. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and early medication can "sharpen" your memory considerably. Early diagnosis and early medication can help with Parkinson's disease. Evaluation and treatment of micro strokes caused by clots with mild blood thinning medication can halt further insults. This will only happen with evaluation by a qualified doctor - the sooner, the better.
Please, CaregiverL, we cannot make recommendations for people to cut off medications. We are not their doctor.
Any medication discontinuance should be made under a doctor’s care, especially in the case of an antidepressant. We must not, nor are we qualified here, make any determinations about someone’s mental health.
I was thinking this, too. And to my knowledge, anti-depressants do not usually cause cognitive impairment. In fact, depression can cause cognitive changes that may be helped by anti-depressant meds and therapy. Thanks for saying this!
Be honest. With your doctor and yourself. If your friends, doctor have noticed things, and you have as well there may be cause for concern BUT you now get to plan what you will do, what you want done and how you will decide what your next steps will be. Schedule an appointment with an Elder Care Attorney no matter what the results of any testing are. The same paperwork is important no matter what the outcome. Discuss with the doctor the probability that any medications you are on might be contributing to problems you might be having ((hugs)) and 🤞🙏 Hope all goes well and keep us posted.
Good advice. After watching several family and friends go through dementia it’s scary how little preparation they had done for this eventuality. Yes, no one wants to think about losing their faculties but the reality is a large percentage of us will.
Keep an open mind and determine to make the most of skills you have and retain to keep your life as full and active as possible to slow the progression of the disease if you have it and maintain feeling useful in life.
Get off antidepressants slowly & then make dr appointment. If you’re ok to write this posting, you’re fine! Probably combination of the meds & stress…Hugs 🤗
Cricket, you mentioned a business & employees. Do you have an employee you can delegate tasks to if needed? Someone trustworthy if you need to take time off for medical appointments?
Do you have a spouse or adult child you could delegate things at home to if needed as well?
I'm thinking it would be good to have a few trusted helpers on standby.
So if you wanted to reduce stress - work less hours or do different duties - you could.
Cricket - so sorry this is happening to you. It must be frightening to be facing this given all the responsibilities you're handling.
I recommend you see an attorney specializes in Elder care. You need to appoint someone(s) you trust to be your Power of Attorney to handle you finance and make medical decisions for you if/when you can't do those for yourself.
If you don't already have these done, you urgently need to make arrangements on who will step in/take over for you regarding your business, assets, etc. You also need to have your wishes written down as to what you want regarding your health such as DNR, feeding tubes, life support, etc.
Do these while you still can think and make decisions for yourself. Otherwise, someone else will, when time comes, decide for you and they may not make the choices that you would want.
I saw your comments on Aricept. I am a patient diagnosed 5yrs ago with Early Onset ALZ. My most recent Neuropsych Exam, says I am now in Moderate-Severe Dementia. I was put on Aricept the day I received the diagnosis. My Neuro Doctor told me it could take 3-6mos before I noticed and difference and it was almost 6mos to the day. Yes diarrhea is an issue. I found that by eating about 1/8 of a jar of Honey Roasted Peanuts just before sleeping have reduced diarrhea by about 80% of my days are pretty good, very little diarrhea. I had a lot of trouble reading when I hit the 6mo point, I was able to continue reading at my regular pace, but I could not remember what I read the next morning. I concluded, Aricept allowed me to focus better on what I was doing. I couldn't remember much of what I'd read, but I enjoy it and Aricept allows me to do that. I am also taking Donepezil and Memantine.
Yes, I know I'm declining however the above mentioned drugs used together has allowed me to continue traveling with my family and doing other activities, like volunteer work and getting my hands dirty. I gave up driving 18mos ago of my own volition. I walked in to the DMV and they didn't know what to do with me. They told me we only see people sent here to surrender their license by the Courts or their Doctors.
No these drugs do not offer a cure, but I'm convinced I've been able to cram a lot in to these last 5 yrs with no doubt I've had a ball. I hope many more of us can benefit from what I've learned walking my journey.
I agree with most of the advice already stated.
Facing the situation will remove uncertainty and give you information you need.
It's important to consider all social, psychological amd medical factors that can contribute to your situation.
Antidepressants are important tools for those who need them and like all medicines do have various side effects, so pros and cons muat be weighed and if with research and medical guidance it is determined the meds are a factor, it is important to devise and follow a plan of action with your psychiatrist.
Note: If you haven't already, consider talking with a psychiatrist about possible effects of the medicine because they have deeper knowledge of various conditions and the medicines and dosages available to treat them.
If you are only seeing GP for the depression you could be missing out on a lot.
Aricept may help if you are diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Now that many of our resident "medical experts" have demonized antidepressants for the millionth time, I'd like to say they're a LIFE SAVER for those in need of them. Antidepressants are a game changer and not some new age LSD that's going to dissolve your brains into fried grits. Continuing to attach stigmas to mental health issues, as we constantly see here, creates fear about asking for and getting help when we truly need it. Fear of developing dementia or Alzheimer's, fear of being called Crazy or being laughed at or ridiculed by our peers. Suggesting you wean yourself off of your medication because it's causing your dementia like symptoms is a horrible and dangerous thing to say! Please ignore such advice and only follow your DOCTOR'S orders with everything you do moving forward. The internet is rife with differing opinions and you know what they say about opinions.
Wishing you the best of luck with your testing and a good outcome with the results.
Husband was given Arricept (evil as far as we are concerned). After 2 weeks of pure hell and having DR say it couldn't do that - (started day after beginning medication). took him off of it, quick scared Wake-up moment and he came out of crazed state. Turned out he had Normal Pressure Hydrocephelus(Spelling). After shunt surgery he was much improved.
Get with your Dr. Be sure to note when symptoms started, when drugs started, etc.
Also, good advice - arrange for possible care needs now (financial and physical).While you can make your own decisions.
Ignoring the situation will NOT make it go away. Surely, you want to know "what you are dealing with" - yes?
BTW - I am a former psychiatric nurse. Please do NOT stop your anti-depressive medication(S) unless your GP advises it; doing so might make things much worse.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6079596/
Doctors will never blame the meds. They will put you on more meds which can cause more complications.
I am now 76. I requested a more comprehensive test. I forget things, a lot now. I passed with flying colors but the professional doing the test said she felt I had “a major depressive disorder”. And wanted to prescribe meds. I refused.
I refused because she hadn’t asked a lot of pertinent questions.
Before I went to see her I had several deaths close to me. I told her I had just lost my best friend, husband and son, as well as several close friends, and while I knew I had some depression they were as far as I was concerned more “situational” than the symptoms of a disorder.
I feel rather strongly about these meds being prescribed when we are older: seen it. Docs are too quick to put us on meds that make us worse. Black box warnings about
cognitive changes in the elderly are common.
I am glad I took the test. I am a cancer survivor and knew some of my issues are related to the cancer treatment. Read: chemo brain. Fatigue. Etc.
Best of luck. But be your own advocate. Research everything.
I think that is a waste of time and can cause increased anxiety.
If it is not to late ask your doctor for the name of a Neuropsychologist or neurologist that he/she works with and set up an appointment with them.
I write from the perspective of one who is now in Moderate to Severe level of ALZ. I was diagnosed 5 yrs ago with Early onset ALZ. The first mistake I made was not having a family member with me when the Neuropsych Exam was given. I wasn't told, I should have someone with me. I also got the follow up appointment and really wish I had someone with me. The Doctor said to me he was uncomfortable with me driving. My Neuro Doctor, told me when she saw the report that I still wasn't at the point where I shouldn't drive. Neurologically I was fine, and that we'd keep having the talk at each follow up appointment. Last year just as the lockdown for COVID 19 was happening, I came home from doing my errands, and I said to my DW it was time to hang up the keys. I wasn't able to surrender my license until August because it took 5 mos to get an appointment with the DMV to surrender it. Now, I haven't been behind the wheel in 17 mos., and I have never said, I wish I could drive since. When I had my most recent Neuropsych exam my DW was with me for both appointments.
When you are making bad decisions by driving it is time to hang up the keys.
I would suggest you have a have a Neuropsych Exam and after you have the results, if you are diagnosed with ALZ or another Dementia start having a discussions with your family about, what you want for treatment and don't want.
We all walk on a different journey, everyone is not the same. I was 57 when I was diagnosed, I was 61 when I turned in the keys and have no idea where they are.
I would engage with your Doctor and put together a Care Plan focusing on your needs. We all walk along the same trail, but have a different journey. I would get in touch with the ALZ Association and check in to a Local Caregivers Program for your family. Where I live, there is a group called the Forgetful Friends, Our group is unusual in that they allow Patients to be a part of the group and all Caregivers and Patients discuss their particular journey. I also began reading about Dementia on Agingcare and then after a month or so, I began replying to questions posed. I hope you find my comments of benefit to you. I'll remember you in my prayers. God Bless you.
The doctor is trying to discover what is causing your problems. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and early medication can "sharpen" your memory considerably. Early diagnosis and early medication can help with Parkinson's disease. Evaluation and treatment of micro strokes caused by clots with mild blood thinning medication can halt further insults. This will only happen with evaluation by a qualified doctor - the sooner, the better.
We are not their doctor.
Any medication discontinuance should be made under a doctor’s care, especially in the case of an antidepressant. We must not, nor are we qualified here, make any determinations about someone’s mental health.
If your friends, doctor have noticed things, and you have as well there may be cause for concern BUT you now get to plan what you will do, what you want done and how you will decide what your next steps will be.
Schedule an appointment with an Elder Care Attorney no matter what the results of any testing are. The same paperwork is important no matter what the outcome.
Discuss with the doctor the probability that any medications you are on might be contributing to problems you might be having
((hugs)) and 🤞🙏
Hope all goes well and keep us posted.
Do you have a spouse or adult child you could delegate things at home to if needed as well?
I'm thinking it would be good to have a few trusted helpers on standby.
So if you wanted to reduce stress - work less hours or do different duties - you could.
Until you work this thing out.
Best thoughts to you.
I recommend you see an attorney specializes in Elder care. You need to appoint someone(s) you trust to be your Power of Attorney to handle you finance and make medical decisions for you if/when you can't do those for yourself.
If you don't already have these done, you urgently need to make arrangements on who will step in/take over for you regarding your business, assets, etc. You also need to have your wishes written down as to what you want regarding your health such as DNR, feeding tubes, life support, etc.
Do these while you still can think and make decisions for yourself. Otherwise, someone else will, when time comes, decide for you and they may not make the choices that you would want.
Again, I am so sorry you're facing this.