My 90-year-old mother was diagnosed Alzheimer's. When she was diagnosed her doctor gave her the standard medications. He told me it is very difficult and to talk to someone at the Alzheimer's Society. I am guessing he figures if he can't fix it why bother. I have got to another GP and he was nice, but had the same attitude. Am I expecting too much from my doctor?
I know I am probably the bitchy daughter over at that clinic, but.. brushing Mom off isn't going to fly with me. I want help...solutions if they are available...but some help with identifiable issues. Hard to get.
Because Alzheimers and other conditions that cause dementia involve damage to the brain, I suppose that the doctor doesn't have much to offer in the way of hope, treatment or prognosis. I think it might be different with a Geriatric doctor.
My LO sees a Geriatric Psychiatrist and he is very well informed. Her current primary treats residents in AL facilities, so he is well versed too.
I have found time and again...helpful, practical advice here has help me to narrow my search down. Nothing the Doc has said or done has helped improve situations ... unless I brought up the idea.
The neuro I took mom to when she was about to turn 93 asked me what my objectives were for her care - I didn't see any need to try and sedate her to do an MRI even though she's atypical in her abilities to do math and spell backwards and draw a clock etc which she can still do as she approaches 94 - my goal isn't to forestall memory loss so she is not on any of those types of meds - if she was younger it might be different but my goal is to keep her anxiety down without turning her into a zombie so she can enjoy whatever time she has left
I feel like when someone gets a big diagnosis like that, insurance companies should pay for a 45 min appt for a dr and social worker to discuss the diagnosis with the patient and family. Instead it's 15 minutes (if you're lucky) and "Have a pamphlet."
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