Has anyone else been to a neurologist and not received a conclusive YES that it is Alzhiermer's / Dementia?

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palm3847 Asked September 2013

Has anyone else been to a neurologist and not received a conclusive YES that it is Alzhiermer's / Dementia?

My moms Neurologist sent her to have an MRI and to the Psychologist, but the MRI was not conclusive, but the Psychologist thought that it was Alzhiemers/Dementia. The Neurologist does not communicate very well and slips out of the room every visit before we can ask the questions we have for him. He tells us "just one minute" and/or "give me a minute" and then never comes back and he will not come back to the room, due to already being in the next room with another patient.

I have mom on multiple vitamins and supplements and am wondering if it still could be a vitamin deficiency, since he cannot say for sure it is. I mean I hear of everyone talking about what stage thier loved one is in and we don't have a clue...No one has ever told us a stage or even what to expect. I believe that we will find another doctor; however, this is the 2nd Neurologist she has been too, the 1st one only wanted to put her in a drug trial and she was having so many health issues that we just could not put her through that and did not take her back to him.

Anyone else have this issue?

Alzheimer's & Dementia

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score 1 · Answer 1

My mom also gets monthly B12 shots along with Iron infusions. From what general practicioner's nurse read through through her records and told me, she is listed by the Neurologist has also having "dementia Alzheimer's type".
Thank everyone for the quick responses to my questions.
God bless!

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score 2 · Answer 2

The first evaluation of my husband was not definitive because he is so smart! The second one, 5 years later, showed a decline, and they call it dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Does your mom have a regular doctor? Blood tests can tell if she has low B12 or low thyroid, which can cause dementia. Would your regular doctor act as a go-between with the neurologist to get some answers? Doctors treat other doctors better, I think.

Can you get your mother to a geriatrician? They have so much experience with the elderly that they can be very helpful.

If you liked the first neurologist better, go back there and tell him/her no drug trials. They are not "allowed" to pressure you.

I know that helpless feeling. What's the right thing to do? Why can't I get answers? In the end, if you keep her comfortable and make her feel loved, you are doing your job.

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score 1 · Answer 3

Your neuro sounds strangely like ours. Difference is that you say yours is excellent Dr and I wonder about ours. He is a bit off. I also did not receive a definite diagnosis on whether hubby has dementia or not. He only said "probably" beginning dementia and that was it. His brain tests showed only small strokes all over the brain but he said it was normal for a diabetic. I dont know anymore really. Will have to wait it out I guess.

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score 1 · Answer 4

The thing that really got me about this doctor, is mainly the fact that he just abrutly walks out of the room like he is coming back and then goes on to the next patient. Everyone complains of this from him...he is just very strange like that. I do believe that he is a caring and excellent physcian, but he made the comment when the MRI did not confirm, that he wondered if she whether it was the fact that she WOULDn't do certain things versus COULDn't do them. That is where the conversation was dropped off almost a year ago. I guess I will have to actually stand in front of the door next visit LOL. Thank to all for your responses. God bless!

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score 1 · Answer 5

It is generally not possible to give a definitive diagnosis for dementia. Observing behaviors and symptoms is probably more indicative than lab tests, etc. Researchers are urgently looking for biomarkers to get more accurate diagnoses while the patient is living, but for now the only absolute accurate diagnosis comes from an examination of the brain after death.

So we get the best diagnosis we can and base treatment on that. If you are not comfortable with a doctor who leaves the room and doesn't answer questions, you may want to change doctors. Realize that the new doctor will probably not be willing to tell you for certain whether Mom has AD.

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score 1 · Answer 6

I battled with that question also looking for the answer.From all i have read Ad can only be confirmed when we pass.We went through all kinds of meds hoping to slow down forgetfulness.As time went on she was so druged up.I couldnt tell what was helping.All we can do is try and pray we are making the right decisions.Take 1 day at a time this is a diffacult path we choose to be on.
God be with you!

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Has anyone else been to a neurologist and not received a conclusive YES that it is Alzhiermer's / Dementia?

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