My 58 year old brother is experiencing confusion and inability to "gather his thoughts". What's going on?

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abby33 Asked April 2013

My 58 year old brother is experiencing confusion and inability to "gather his thoughts". What's going on?

I'm often posting about my mom with dementia, but tonight, I just found out that my 58 year old brother is experiencing some of the same symptoms. He has severe heart disease and has had a mini stroke in the past 2 years. Recently, he has had episodes of confusion, inability to focus, and trouble concentrating. Last week he had a temperature of 103 and was diagnosed with pneumonia, but not hospitalized.He says he won't go to a "crazy doctor", so I'm going to schedule an appointment with his cardiologist. Can anyone give me any insight into this? Dealing with my 84 year old mother is one thing...but this is my brother. I'm a wreck and I don't know what to do.

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Yes, those symptoms could accompany early-onset dementia, but they could be associated with lots of other stuff, too. For a lot of reasons it is important to try to get to the bottom of this sooner rather than later. I hope you can do all you can and somehow have his wife on your side. You both love that man!

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Thanks, Jeanne! My brother is married but his wife is not the best at having discussions with doctors. I do plan to let the Doctor know my concerns ahead of time in case my brother is not forthcoming. I'm involved because I seem to always be the one to take charge and take care of things. I'm so concerned that he is headed down the same path as my mom. I pray for healing and patience.

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Is your brother married? Are you his closest relative? He is lucky to have you to help him now.

Will your brother be forthcoming with the cardiologist about his cognitive issues? Will you be attending the appointment with him? It might be good to provide a list of concerns to the doctor in advance. See if the clinic will accept an email or a fax. Explain that your brother trusts this doctor and that is the reason for the appointment, and that you realize referral to a different specialist may be appropriate.

Best wishes to you and your brother. Please let us know how this plays out.

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My 58 year old brother is experiencing confusion and inability to "gather his thoughts". What's going on?

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