Is it just me that finds the medical profession useless in dealing with my mother 's dementia?

What MsMadge said!!!

And of course lotsa Teepa Snow 😘

I think it is because dementia is a problem which cannot be solved - it cannot be prevented or cured

The neuro I took mom to when she was about to turn 93 asked me what my objectives were for her care - I didn't see any need to try and sedate her to do an MRI even though she's atypical in her abilities to do math and spell backwards and draw a clock etc which she can still do as she approaches 94 - my goal isn't to forestall memory loss so she is not on any of those types of meds - if she was younger it might be different but my goal is to keep her anxiety down without turning her into a zombie so she can enjoy whatever time she has left

Agree. Saw my mom 's doc today. Useless. Kind of. Her doc said that she noticed a decline immediately . I asked her if she does or does not have Alzheimer's. She said she has dementia. Ok. Would really like how to plan my life and and know what to expect. I get it. A lot of docs don't have answers

I agree with your comments about the lack of medical support on the ground. It is not as if one has an abundant amount of time to care for ones family member and research this disease on your own. But why is it so bad? I agree that I have found more information and insight by reading people's comments and watching Teepa Snow video. (thank you to Bella 7 for the suggestion... I did know about her until you mentioned it.) Many Thanks for all your comments. It is very helpful.

When Mom was experiencing "crashes". The Doc just threw his hands in the air. I did the research. I dug for info...I discovered that an increase in diltazem could likely help her.....and bumping it up 50% did show a big improvement. But...why didn't the Doc know this? If he did, why didn't he just move to increase the meds?

I have found time and again...helpful, practical advice here has help me to narrow my search down. Nothing the Doc has said or done has helped improve situations ... unless I brought up the idea.

our experience has been GPs, ERs, urgent care, hospital stays (for anything not related to the dementia) fail to take it into consideration when determining treatment(s). All family members need to be aware of mismanagement of 'normal' health care by these decision-makers.

I keep reading when my parent was diagnosed. How do they diagnose a person? I was at the dr today with my mom and was told there is no test.

What exactly were you expecting the doctor to do differently? I know that from most of my encounters with doctors, that most don't really know much about dementia. I have had to explain things to them, like why my LO is in a wheelchair. I'm serious.

Because Alzheimers and other conditions that cause dementia involve damage to the brain, I suppose that the doctor doesn't have much to offer in the way of hope, treatment or prognosis. I think it might be different with a Geriatric doctor.

 My LO sees a Geriatric Psychiatrist and he is very well informed.  Her current primary treats residents in AL facilities, so he is well versed too. 

I have found the Doc to have an attitude of..."ah well, she's 90...what do you expect".

I know I am probably the bitchy daughter over at that clinic, but.. brushing Mom off isn't going to fly with me. I want help...solutions if they are available...but some help with identifiable issues. Hard to get.

I have learned more on here at aging care....and Teepa Snow!!

Personally, I would not trust a doctor that didn't understand Alzheimers or Dementia prescribing my parent meds for it. A GP is just that a General Practicioner that knows a little of everything but not specializing in any one thing.

There are geriatric doctors. Also neurologists that are more in tuned.

Also the people at the Alzheimer's Association are nice, but they will probably just refer you back to your doctor for any specific questions you have, unless there is a good support group in your area with other spouses and children who've gained knowledge through experience.

I feel like when someone gets a big diagnosis like that, insurance companies should pay for a 45 min appt for a dr and social worker to discuss the diagnosis with the patient and family. Instead it's 15 minutes (if you're lucky) and "Have a pamphlet."

It's not just you. They are clueless. It has to change because it wastes a phenomenal amount of time for the patients and their families.