My mom is 95 and has obvious memory issues for over a year. Is it necessary to bring mom to a neurologist to get reason for dementia?

My mother was diagnosed with non-specified dementia in 2016. To this day I have no idea exactly what type it is, but I do know it's not Alzheimer's b/c her MRI and CT scans were clear of the plaques they do see in the brain when that disease is present. In any event, it's an ugly thing whatever it is. I have never found the need to find out 'what type' of dementia it is, so we leave it alone.

First step should be a thorough physical with her regular doctor. There are other conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms and most are treatable. UTI is one, and is easy to test for. Given you state your mother has had memory issues for over a year, it isn't likely due to a UTI as that would by now have caused much more serious problems. There's no harm in testing for it though, esp since it is generally part of a thorough exam. BTW, when I joined this forum and read all the "test for UTI" comments, I was skeptical. When mom had severe sun-downing due to her first UTI at the MC facility, I was a convert!!! Since then, 2 more UTIs have caused night-time bed wetting. Once treated, the other issues go away. The exam should include a mini-mental exam, which can identify cognitive issues. Despite being in MC for 2+ years, our doc office tried to test mom - between dementia and hearing issues, it was a waste of time! My exam a while later, they tested me!!

If there are no medical issues found, how to proceed is dependent on how she is doing. If it is dementia and she only has short term memory issues, she is only in the early stages. Progression is unique for each person. While she is in this early stage, if dementia is indicated, I would read everything you can about dementia, symptoms, stages, how to deal with various symptoms, behaviors, etc. Being armed with information will help you during the progression. It was how I learned about it and it enabled me to recognize what was going on and how to deal with it - diversions, redirecting focus, not arguing, explaining or correcting, just learn to go with the flow!

The reason why someone has developed dementia-like symptoms would only apply if testing proved the symptoms to be caused by something else, not dementia. They don't fully understand at this point WHY someone gets dementia (exceptions may be repeated concussions or vascular, which can limit blood supply in the brain and can cause atrophy.)

There is no real treatment for dementia, only to counteract symptoms. IF your mom starts to have some serious issues, then consider more testing and/or neurologist. Given her great health and some memory issues, I wouldn't subject her to any extensive tests.

The only reason to determine the type of dementia is for LBD, which has a different progression and can be made worse with some medications. Generally, based on symptoms and behaviors, it is possible to differentiate in the earlier stages without invasive testing. Otherwise, testing isn't going to help much.

Keep mom as active as possible. Include socialization if possible (some become reclusive.) Exercise, even just a good walk every day or so, is beneficial. Have her participate in any/all home activities that she can physically manage - this keeps her active, stimulates her, makes her feel productive (even if you have to redo whatever later, when she isn't watching, just like with kids!)

Yes. A neurologist can order an M.R.I., which is the gold standard to detect for forms of dementia.

There is no scan that is definitive as to what type of dementia. There us a relatively new amyloid pet scan that is showing promise.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324877.php#1

I agree w/ 'disgustedtoo'
There are many dementias. What if mom has B12 deficiency? thyroid out of kilter?]
Start with a good work up from her MD....or from a gerontologist or neurologist. Keep records. Weigh every visit; try to keep the annual physical going to monitor trends. As communication becomes less...finding problems can be simplified some by knowing her 'norms' Doing annual lab work may find that something else is going on too. If the time comes to use hospice, for instance, you will find qualifying much easier if you can show downward trends in the albumin levels..

If the physician assessing your mom - does say Alzheimer's...and you have done your research and feel that something isn't adding up - say so. Help them dig. Folks can have a mixed dementia - Alzheimer's + vascular, for instance. Be reasonable...by asking yourself what you would want your son/daughter to do for you in this situation.
Don't throw in the towel yet.

They are right. At her Age, Even Younger and Of Course, Older. Demnetia will many times set in. Healthy is better too Of Course, As long as she is Eating and Functioning as Needed.

At age 90, NO reason to bring in a neurologist. It's great that she's only taking vitamins at age 90. No need to bring in "maybe" thoughts from a "professional". Maybe adding this "textbook drug" will help her stay as lucid as she is until she's 103 years old. And you succumb to the suggestions. Then health issues crop up because of some "textbook doctoring".

Carry on, as is. I think you already know the answer to your question.