JOAN’S BLOG – THURS/FRI, APRIL 7/8, 2011 – GET A DIAGNOSIS!

Today’s  blog is addressed to spouses who are at the very beginning of this Alzheimer/dementia journey; those who have received either a confusing diagnosis from the primary care physician; no diagnosis; or are dancing completely in the dark by not having seen any doctor. I have written about the importance of getting a diagnosis in various blogs and articles, but this time, I am organizing everything in one place.

Your responsibility as a caregiver begins as soon as you notice differences in your spouse. It could be problems with reasoning, memory, impulse control, anger, ANYTHING that you know is diametrically opposed to the way they have functioned for most of your life together. AGE DOES NOT MATTER. Any signs and symptoms of irregularity at ANY AGE should be investigated.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS BY A NEUROLOGIST WHO SPECIALIZES IN MEMORY DISORDERS CANNOT BE OVER EMPHASIZED. I feel very strongly that doctors need to advise you in that direction when you come to them with concerns about your spouses’ failing memory and behavior changes.

One of the main reasons it is important to get a proper diagnosis is that their symptoms could be caused by a problem that is TREATABLE AND REVERSIBLE – vitamin deficiency, some brain tumors, thyroid issues, NPH (normal pressure hydrocephalus) – can all be treated, and in some cases, treatment can completely reverse the problems they are causing. If your spouse is adamantly opposed to testing, as many are, the possibility of a viable treatment and reversal is a definite lure to get them to the doctor.

If the problems are caused by some type of dementia, learning which type, although incurable, will lead to better treatment options, and therefore a better quality of life for both of you. There are medications that can stabilize symptoms for a period of time. It is vital to become educated as to the physical, mental, and psychological symptoms, as well as the progression of the type of dementia that has stricken your spouse, so you can know what to expect and prepare for it mentally, emotionally, and financially. For example, Lewy Bodies Dementia patients may experience vivid hallucinations, while Frontal Lobe Dementia patients are more prone to inappropriate public outbursts , but may retain their short term memory longer than Alzheimer patients.

If your spouse had cancer, you would find out what type, and go to any lengths to find a doctor who specializes in that particular cancer. You would ask countless questions about treatment options and progression. You would want to know everything. Alzheimer’s Disease/dementia cannot be cured, as is possible with many cancers, but it is just as important to understand the disease, what to expect, and how to handle it.

In the 4 ½ years since I started this website, and the 5 years since I began attending a support group, I have heard more stories than I can count, from spouses who continue to be confused and lost, years after their spouses’ memory problems developed,  because they have no idea what they are dealing with. They have not vigorously pursued a definitive diagnosis from a memory disorder specialist. As a result, they are bewildered at the dizzying changes that are occurring with their spouse. They may have simply accepted their primary physician’s explanation of ‘normal aging’ or ‘possible depression’ or a number of other vague diagnoses.

As I formulated my ideas for this blog, I realized that I should also be addressing primary care physicians, general neurologists, and any other type of doctor who happens to see your spouse. Unfortunately, I have learned from Alzheimer specialists who have spoken at conferences I attended, that the majority of doctors are not well versed in Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia. Therefore, it is up to YOU to be persistent and find the appropriate doctor to diagnose your spouse. Once you know what is causing your spouses’ problems, you can educate yourself about their disease, which will help you cope with what lies ahead.

Feedback to joan@thealzheimerspouse.com
©Copyright 2011 Joan Gershman 
The Alzheimer Spouse LLC
2010 All Rights Reserved
Under penalty of copyright laws, this information cannot be copied or posted on any website, media, or print outlet, without referencing the author and website from which it was taken.

The material included on this website contains general information intended as information only. This site is not intended to provide personal, professional, medical, or psychological advice, and should not be relied upon to govern behavior in any certain or particular circumstances. The opinions in the blogs are solely those of the owner of the website. The opinions on the message boards are not necessarily endorsed by the owner of this website, and are the opinions of those persons writing the messages. All material on this web site is for demonstration and informational purposes only.           

The Alzheimer Spouse LLC 2010 All Rights Reserved