My doc wants me to see a psychologist

[left-of-center2012]

I’ve had some memory problems for a few years, which I think is just part of the aging process.
My current and past primary care docs say ‘borderline Alzheimer’.
I think I ‘think’ too well for that.

But sometimes I forget my meds, or accidentally lose a credit card and find I mistakenly threw it in the trash can.

Once I couldn’t find my keys. I always leave them on my desk along with my ‘going out stuff’ (watch, wallet, sunglasses, cap, etc). After a search I found them in the linen closet with my towels, etc. Easily explainable (ghosts).

The fact that I can remember these little ‘missteps’ I think is a good thing.
I’ve seen two neurologists who tested me with a ‘cognitive test’ on which 30 would be 100%
I scored 25 on both tests, and both docs said it wasn’t really bad.

But some other memory issues have come up and my doc says a psychologist can do additional types of ‘cognitive testing’ and look at it from a diggerentt angle than the neurologists.

Then based upon that my doc may order medication.

A year or so back he wanted to put me on Aricept but I told him I didn’t think I needed it,
so I refused it.

I think 95% of the time I’m fine, but he thinks ‘we’ need stop any decline.

Oh well, life gets interesting the older we get.

[Wounded Bear]

1. Tough call...

and really difficult to self diagnose, too.

No advice from me, friend. Just take care of yourself.

[XanaDUer2]

2. I would go

my psychologist gave me some diagnostic tests, and absolutely nailed some mental and emotional issues I have. I now have greater insight into my reactions and thought processes. Good luck!

[dixiechiken1]

3. "...I found them in the linen closet with my towels, etc. Easily explainable (ghosts)."

Spewed water on my keyboard @ this. 🤣 You've got a great attitude... and a sense of humor to match. Thanks for the laugh!

[littlemissmartypants]

4. Be aware of anosognosia. If your doctor wants to make the referral for you, I think

You should check it out. Early intervention in many disorders is key to mitigating the possible damage to your quality of life. Short term memory problems can also become safety issues.

At the very least you will be establishing baseline data, so if you develop problems in the future, you have a starting point from which to measure any changes. Baselines are important tools in not only diagnosis but in rehabilitation and recovery.

❤

[KarenS]

5. Like my Dad says,,,,

"getting old ain't for sissies"

This is some hard stuff we go through.

My Husband & I try to practice 'mindfulness' and make lists,,,,

But you need to do what you think is right for you

[alwaysinasnit]

6. My mother was prescribed Aricept and took it for over a decade. She was diagnosed early

(Alzheimer's). In her case, her "descent" was very, very slow and it may have been as a result of taking the Aricept. (She passed away 7 years ago.) One of my older brothers who is having mild cognitive difficulties, is now on Aricept. Of course all of this is anecdotal, but in early stage Alzheimer's, it seems to be very difficult to differentiate it from normal aging degeneration. Regardless, it is still a difficult decision. Given that Alzheimer's seems to run in my family, I am paying a lot more attention to my own situation.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. Alzheimer's is not the only form of dementia.

There are a lot of them.

[3Hotdogs]

8. Are there side effects with Aricept that concern you? If not, why not take it?

There are books that give suggestions to respond to forgetfulness.

[left-of-center2012]

9. Yes, and not being funny, I don't remember what

I google my meds and before I picked up the prescription I found something on a site similar to WebMD that bothered me,
Now I'm not seeing anything special.

Aricept - Side Effects

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14335/aricept-oral/details#:~:text=Nausea%2C%20vomiting%2C%20diarrhea%2C%20loss,body%20adjusts%20to%20the%20drug.