We recently went to a new Neurologist because we could not understand the 1st one he was going to and also he was not doing anything to help him. The new doctor began giving my husband the mini tests and asking questions, so my husband perked up and answered them as quickly and correctly as anyone could. I was SHOCKED!
For over a year he has been going downhill almost daily, can't locate anything in our home, looses all of his personal posessions and can no longer drive. He can't order from a menu, gets lost in buffets, he wanders around until he sees me then gets a big smile on his face and walks to our table. He mixes up his medication box and forgets if he has taken his pills. He loves the computer, has for years played games on it but now tells me he can't remember how to do anything on it. Also he looses concentration with things such as a TV show. He can't remember how to go to local places we have been to many times in the past.
Also, I have even called 911 once because he was so angry with me he was throwing things at me and said he would kill me. I did not know why he was angry, we had not said or done anything to make him get upset.
How could he change so quickly in front of this new doctor and act normal?
We have been married 50 years and I am very confused. Any suggestions?
He has another appointment later on this month and Sunday night he has a sleep study scheduled, maybe that will tell the Neurologist something new.
The Neurologist said he is not convinced my husband has dementia/Alzheimer's, I suppose because he acted so normal during the 1st appointment. He has scheduled other tests (EEG) and said he did not understand why these tests had not already been given. Hopefully he can find the correct diagnosis and get him on correct medication. He already is weaning him off of aricept and xanax. He has been on xanax for about 20 years so it will take a long time to get him off of this. He has a heart condition, type A personality so this was given to him to get him through his last few years of work in the 90's. Now, they don't want him taking it any longer, said it is a very bad medication and should not be given on a daily basis.
We have two grown children who don't see or talk with him very often so they think he is fine, just getting older and I should not worry about him so much. He talks with them on the phone as if nothing is wrong so I understand why they feel as they do. I wish someone could see and hear him the way I do day in and day out, he is so NOT himself at all.
He had to be given seroquel by our PCP for his anger spells. This has been a miracle pill for him so I hope they do not take him off of it.
Thank all of you again, it seemed to help me writing it on this board and getting it off of my chest so your comments are appreciated.
Geri
Also, I just learned something myself (thnx jeannegibbs!) that I hadn't been aware of - my MIL tends to "ace" her mini cog exams too. It's called "showtiming"...folks suffering with dementia will put their best foot forward so to speak for the doctor. It takes a lot out of them. Did your husband seem especially tired or cranky after that appointment? I understand your frustration...keep your chin up. And keep after that doctor!
I have a question if someone new reads this post, for. 2 weeks now the topic is the same from waking till midnight, when are we getting out of here, I just keep saying tomorrow, it just does not end. Also I have hidden his car keys ( he hasn't driven in quite awhile) but when I mention getting rid of the car, he goes wild says its his only way to get out if here, but I think it's presence in the carport is worse than taking it away!
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