How to test at home for Alzheimer's?

They had my Mother draw a clock and she put all the numbers 1 through 12 going counterclockwise! And they asked her to put the hands at 1:30. She wasn't sure how to do it... I guess that is typical for Alzheimer patients. I was shocked! It was a real eye opener. I think this is a test anyone could do at home. It probably just lets you know that there is something going on... And time to see a doctor!

They had my Mother draw a clock and she put all the numbers 1 through 12 going counterclockwise! And they asked her to put the hands at 1:30. She wasn't sure how to do it... I guess that is typical for Alzheimer patients. I was shocked! It was a real eye opener. I think this is a test anyone could do at home. It probably just lets you know that there is something going on... And time to see a doctor!

I sort of agree with MK.. at 90 what real difference will a diagnosis make? My MIL was put on aricept by her Dr with out any testing. My dad had all the tests, just confirmed what I already knew.. and btw he thought he did GREAT.. he was not even on the scale for mid! So dad had Aricept too, and a few others. Did they do any good... who knows? we never saw any real difference. And since it "slows the progression",, we all know everyone progresses at a different rate so who knows if it worked.

I agree with everything here. One test that they use is drawing a clock face. No digital LOL. I don't know how you could get her to do it, but you could try. My question is what is the point? What do you want to accomplish? She is 90. If say she does have Alzheimer's or Lewy Body, what are you going to do different? If nothing, don't bother.

Has Mom noticed her memory issues? What is Mom's attitude toward doctors and clinics, etc. If she does have the beginnings of dementia would she want to know that?

Look up Mild Cognitive Impairment on the net. There are several good articles that describe symptoms.

Are there safety issues here? Does she forget to turn off the stove? Might she take medications twice? Keeping her safe will involve the same measures whether she has dementia or not. Keep her safe.

Is Mom cool with seeing a doctor? Having an evaluation would be good. For now, treat her as a dear old lady with some memory problems. Keep her safe.

My 93 yr old father was just diagnosed w/dementia. We are now going through tests to see what type and stage. And taking classes to reduce his anxiety and ours.

Whatever way you can get your mom to a specialist, you should try. There are health issues which will affect her quality of life and yours! You should find out what she has, and how far it has progressed so that you and your family can understand and be prepared.

There are also medications depending on her behaviors. They will not prevent but can reduce her behaviors and assist you in caring for her.

I do not recommend doing nothing because if she has Alzheimer's or another type of dementia, there is a lot of changes for her and you in the future.

Best of luck and blessings to you!

My dad is 87, bad short term memory, refuses tests but his doc thinks it Classic alz.

Just for my own curiosity as to his abilities I gave him my own memory test a year ago. I had to be foxy about it, like:

Dad, I need to get your a birthday card. When's your birthday?

Grandkid wants to send you a card. Is the address here still the same?

The credit card people need some info. What's your soc number?

And so on. Spaced it over an evening of tv watching.

He got most stuff right, particularly long term memory issues. Short term was terrible. Day, year, president etc.

Not professional but at least I know where we are.

Mouse66, at 90 years old I wouldn't put Mom through any testing as it could upset her. It does sound like dementia with the short term getting really bad, but the good news is that your Mom can still do search for a word books :)

Does Mom like watching game shows? There are cable networks that show the older game shows from the 1950's and 1960's.

You could try the MMSE (mini mental state exam) or the SAGE (Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination), examples of both can be found online.

You would need to take her to a gerontologist for her to be evaluated. Playing doctor is never a good idea.