DIAGNOSING MCI – VIDEO:
Worried about memory? Many of us notice serious memory or thinking slips that don’t really affect our daily routines. Is it pre-dementia? See Emory University explain what doctors call “MCI”.
Some people develop cognitive and memory problems that are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia but are more pronounced than the cognitive changes associated with normal aging. This condition is called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Although many patients with this condition later develop dementia, many do not. Many researchers are studying mild cognitive impairment to find ways to treat it or prevent it from progressing to dementia.
SOURCE:
- Emory University
my husband was diagnosed about a year ago with mild cognitive impairment. Recently he went through 3 hours of neuro-psychological testing and the neurologist said she felt that it was due to Alzheimer's since there seemed to be no other cause. The "Alzheimer's diagnosis" hit me hard. Is there still hope that this could be something else…that it will not progress? They have not done an MRI yet, but that is in the plans yet to be scheduled as well as a full blood workup. Is it too early to call this Alzheimer's? Or should we be just accepting this diagnosis? What can we do?
Ginny, get a "second opinion". As the old saying goes: Two heads are better than one. 🙂
You can also check out the video:
How Dementia is Diagnosed,
or go to the green box towards the bottom of this page called "Dementia Guide". CLICK ON DIAGNOSIS for a series of videos and articles that offer a quick education on many of the basics of getting a good diagnosis.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Ginny, you have to look into Dr Bredesens mend protocol. He is doing amazing work. Please do this!
A simple but powerful first step to help confirm any dementia diagnosis is to check the vitamin B12 level in the patient's blood. Problems with this vitamin deficiency could lead to "pernicious anemia" which can mimic dementia and/or AD. I saw almost immediate results for my spouse after receiving B12 injections followed by an OTC B12 vitamin supplement
Get into a support gro u p immediately and consult an elder care lawyer, even if you aren't elderly, to get your finances in order for future needs.
You have described exactly what happened to my wife. At first MCI, and then "mild Alzheimer's". In our case, I believe the testing and the resulting diagnosis. We have only one hope–the EMERGE study. Please check it out. There is a 66% chance of getting the drug aducanumab if your husband is diagnosed early enough. If he is too far gone, they will not take him in the study. In Texas, our point of contact in Houston is Michelle Espirita, 713-484-6947. Don't wait too long.
Thanks
10 yrs ago at 76yrs my husband was dx with MCI. 2yrs later it had advanced to Alzheimer's type dementia. H e passed away Jan 2, 2018 at 86yrs. Start getting every thing you can in your name now while he can still sign documents. Once DX is Alz he is no longer of "sound mind" to sign or change wills, property, stocks etc. It makes it a lot easier financially later. Even if it stays MCI consider him not driving. If accident insurance comps can say it was his fault even if it was not. Do enjoy him, love him, treat him with respect and learn to live in his world too. Learn as much as you can about the disease, join a support group and take care of yourself. I was my husband's caregiver 24/7 for 10yrs and do not regret it.