If they treat all dementia the same way, why does the particular diagnosis matter?

If she has a progressive dementia she will not get better. An antidepressant and a medication for anxiety will help but cure her. If your info on treatment for dementia came from a medical source you should see that your cousin gets to a more knowledgeable person, probably a neurologist. I'm assuming your cousin is a young person (under 65). There are many types of dementia, as your own research has shown you. A good diagnosis will help shine a light on the prognosis.

I appreciate your comments, but she' had medical exams. Her problems started some years ago and we didn't realize it. The odd things she did back then now make sense. I thought she was just being odd, but now I see it was part of whatever she has. It has been progressive. And if she improves, her house will be waiting on her return.

The AL facility has a section for Dementia patients. I have discussed that with the facility rep. As a backup, I've lined up two other facilities that are only Memory Care, in case the first place is not a good fit.

I have no intention to lock up anyone. This place is lovely and has all the activities and services my cousin needs. It's exactly where I would want to be if I were in her situation. They will also take her for all her medical tests and treatments. There is no one who lives in my cousin's town to do this for her and she can't drive.

I appreciate your information. The doctor did not explain that. She said they would give my cousin meds, but I guess she meant for anxiety and OCD, since my cousin is constantly checking and rechecking things. She also gets worried over little things and can't let them go. She forgets most everything, but she doesn't forget the things she checks and obsesses about, which seems odd.

I guess the other tests will be upcoming, though the doctor didn't refer us to a neurologist. Our primary goal right now is to get her into AL.

Meds for Alzheimers can be bad for people with FrontoTemporal Dementia. Dementia is just an umbrella term that covers many issues. If someone had heart trouble wouldn't you want to know what kind in order to provide proper treatment. Not all dementia is the same. If your cousin has FTD and you think it's like Alzheimers you'll be in for some nasty surprises.