I am taking my DH to a cognitive neurologist for a diagnosis on Thursday (tomorrow) and have been trying to think of questions to ask. It occurred to me that this is the best place to get good questions. Short background: my DH has been diagnosed as having dementia of unknown type; no stage was given. His test results showed severe memory impairment and cognitive dysfunction; overall diffuse moderately severe impairment; abnormal motor functions (right side weakness). MRIs have been clear.
MMSEs:
July 2007 - Nothing noted February 2008 - Only remembered 1 of 3 words at 10 minutes; could only get 2 of the serial 7 June/July 2008 to date - Cannot remember any of the 3 words at 10 minutes; only gets to 93 in the serial of 7 (only 1 of the series)
Now recognizes that he sometimes cannot remember what someone said right after they said it; has a hard time understanding people (the words don't make sense); noticed that he cannot read as many words; vision occasionally blurs even with his glasses on; needs to be reminded to take medicine, shower, shave, cut fingernails, and other basic grooming as well as needs to be reminded to eat and mismatches clothes; and sometimes starts to urinate before he gets to the bathroom.
We went through this when we moved from Mass. to Florida. I would suggest you do what I did.
If you have the reports, bring them. If you don't have them, write down everything you know about the results (as you did in your post). Also, if you don't have them, sign a form at the doctor's office that will allow him to get them. It is 4 o'clock here on the East coast now. If you live out West, it is early enough that you may be able to get the doctors who did the testing to fax you the reports. (If you have a fax.)
Write a chronology of his functioning - what he could do and the year, following along to each ability he lost and the year (or month, if is happening quickly). Be as detailed and specific as possible. Type it out in list form - one for you and one for the doctor. At the appointment, go over each item with him.
With most doctors, you need to be very clear about what you want, and you need to be persistent about it. If you are looking for a specific diagnosis, say so.
You did not mention if your husband is on any medication. Ask the doctor if there is any medication that will help (usually Aricept and Namenda), and ask for follow up.
I would get dr to issue a letter saying he was no longer able to work and was under his care for dementia- and get him to give you a signed form for your handicap parking permits.. if he wont pinpoint a formal EO AD diagnosis this will be valuable for applying for social security benefits and or any other possible govt benefits. i got this upfront from neuro and wouldnt you know he got jury summons a week later and this letter from the dr saved having to go thru jury call and he has never been called since they take them out of the data base..then i was called and sent the same letter as i was sole caregiver and i was relieved jury as well-divvi