Well, my husband just downloaded the results to me on his mom's dx.
Sounds like the visit was extremely thorough. It answered our concerns and was shared with mil.
I guess cognitively she only scored a 13 out of 30, normal range is 26 or above.
There was another test with circles where they had to follow a pattern with letters and numbers, she was unable to complete it at all. This test is used as a determination on if they can drive or not. She was informed she should not be driving.
She was only focused on the doctor saying she is unable to drive. My husband was made uncomfortable about talking about things in front of his mother. During that conversation we had a long-time concern confirmed. He had to share there was an accident in the car, where she came home and told her husband she went into the store and came out and her car was wrecked. We were concerned but thought her explanation was possible so gave the benefit of the doubt. When my husband brought it up, his mom announced, well I can tell you exactly what happened there, me and another lady were backing out of our spots at the same time, and she hit me.
They also touched on that it is good that she is in the home and someone else is managing her meds. So, they didn't tell her directly she can't live alone but it is clear to us, this will never be an option for her again. We can take that feeling of guilt off our plate now.
At this point she is diagnosed with late onset Alzheimer's with dementia, and it is moderate at this point.
There were several changes in medication, they upped the dosage of her memory med, took her off the new med for mood and gave her a stronger one. Took out memory supplements she was taking also.
They ordered another MRI so they can compare it to the one from 2020. They also did a blood draw to specifically look at her thyroid.
It's not that we are happy with the diagnosis, but we are happy to have information and feel like she is finally going to be treated right. It almost affirmed what we have been concerned about for years, the drs where she lived, mind you they were general practitioners, were not dx'ing her properly nor medicating her properly. We even had told her husband you need to be at her appts., he went to them and sat out in the lobby, so he never got the clear picture of things, and she would tell him everything is fine. There is a sadness but also some relief, it is almost conflicting.
Besides making sure she doesn't drive, you may want to consider looping in trusted other relatives, friends and especially next door neighbors (in case she asks to borrow their car).
You should also begin taking pictures of important documents (ID, passport, CCs,) or getting a password keeper app and using it as a digital filing cabinet. I put all sorts of info on ours.
Make sure her PoA goes to her bank and goes through their PoA protocol. Open up as many online portals for her important info and bill paying. Make sure she doesn't have a debit card (or at least don't let it have much money in it). Same for her checking account... keep only the minimum amount of cash in there to pay her bills.
Everything about dementia is hard. May you all receive peace in your hearts on this journey.
Remember: If it quacks like a duck and waddles like a duck, it's most likely a duck, with or w/o a formal diagnosis, and shouldn't be behind the wheel of a car. Ever. Even when it means you have to disable said car from being driveable.
Also, don't be surprised if mil denies this diagnosis and insists there's nothing wrong with her. This is known as anosognosia. Google it. Very common among dementia sufferers, my late mother included.
Best of luck to you.
I'm glad you have confirmation and can be relieved of your doubts, guilt and anxiety