My mother's doctor has bowed to relentless pressure from my mom and downgraded her diagnosis (which was based on clinical exams and an MRI) to mild cognitive impairment. This has caused all sorts of problems with her insurance and her care. Is this even possible?
I would assume the Doctor did not intend to cause harm? Was it merely to lesson the severity of the wording (to please your Mother maybe)?
I am wondering if you can be a little sneaky.. do both - let Mother use the term *mild cognitive impairment* but have the Doctor write you a medical letter with the term you require for insurance & care purposes.
That's what my family kind of did. No-one ever uses the D word, spoken or written in plain view, but I have seen it used on medical & admin papers.
I am ok to use both 'labels' depending on the situation.
It is clear to anyone dealing with a loved on in any stage of dementia that there are good days and there are bad days.
I hope that the POA has discussed thoroughly with the doctor what doing this "playing around" with diagnosis can mean in terms of care; it should be made clear to the new neurologist, by the POA, what you have told us here.
Early in her dementia journey, my Mom was having bouts of paranoia. Now, 2 years later, she hasn't really had any. Many may conclude this is an "improvement".
What behaviors are you seeing that is causing you to think this adjustment in her diagnosis is wrong?
Are you her PoA?
What problems with her insurance and care are happening?
More info for context would be helpful.
So either your mothers doctor was wrong with their first diagnosis of dementia or they are wrong now.
Looks like it's time for a second opinion with a neurologist, though good luck with getting your mother to agree to that.