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Serious question for OT medical professionals or anyone with opinions/experience

Posted on 2/24/15 at 11:36 pm
Posted by Jim Rockford
Member since May 2011
98329 posts
Posted on 2/24/15 at 11:36 pm
I have a relative whose Dr. thinks she has mild dementia. No symptoms that I can tell. She keeps house, cooks, looks after herself and her husband, is oriented to time/place, etc. But he has observed some personality changes over time. His recommendation is to just be watchful. No referral to a specialist, no medication, and no activity restrictions-she can do whatever she wants, including continuing to drive. Does sound like a reasonable course of action under the circumstances? I was expecting a more proactive approach.
This post was edited on 2/24/15 at 11:38 pm
Posted by KosmoCramer
Member since Dec 2007
76551 posts
Posted on 2/24/15 at 11:37 pm to
How old?

I would take the keys away.
Posted by runningTiger
Member since Apr 2014
3029 posts
Posted on 2/24/15 at 11:38 pm to
What meds actually work for dementia? I guess a few sort of gradually slow rate of loss
Posted by TMDawg
Member since Nov 2012
5374 posts
Posted on 2/25/15 at 12:16 am to
(no message)
This post was edited on 2/25/15 at 6:10 am
Posted by Upperdecker
St. George, LA
Member since Nov 2014
30615 posts
Posted on 2/25/15 at 12:32 am to
One of the best ways to prevent the progression of dementia is keeping the person busy and active. Some kind of daily work or activity appears to slow it down, especially when it involves leaving the house and going other places. The doctor clearly thinks she's capable of driving safely and the benefits of driving still outweigh the risks
Posted by lsu480
Downtown Scottsdale
Member since Oct 2007
92877 posts
Posted on 2/25/15 at 12:39 am to
quote:

I have a relative whose Dr. thinks she has mild dementia. No symptoms that I can tell. She keeps house, cooks, looks after herself and her husband, is oriented to time/place, etc. But he has observed some personality changes over time. His recommendation is to just be watchful. No referral to a specialist, no medication, and no activity restrictions-she can do whatever she wants, including continuing to drive. Does sound like a reasonable course of action under the circumstances? I was expecting a more proactive approach.



All he is asking you to do is keep an eye on her and see if you notice anything, in my opinion that is 100% reasonable. Why be more proactive unless you know you have a reason to be, ya know?
Posted by GeeOH
Louisiana
Member since Dec 2013
13376 posts
Posted on 2/25/15 at 7:23 am to
Do an annnual health risk assessment test which would qualify her for a cognitive rush assessment. The cognitive will show any early signs and you can't start proactive treatments.

It's all paid by Medicare and can be done once a year.

Ask her primary care to refer you to someone who does the AWV, annual wellness visits, which is made up of the health risk assessment and a cognitive risk assessment. Not all docs do the cognitive part, amnesty sure you go to one who does.
Posted by WHATASHAME
Louisiana
Member since Sep 2009
624 posts
Posted on 2/25/15 at 7:35 am to
A lot of this can be attributed to diet. The elderly wives are consumed with the needs of the spouse and put themselves aside. Make sure her needs are being attended to. In my experience, she will most likely play it off like she is fine.
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