What does neurologist tell elderly patient if tests show memory decline?

[Anonymous]

My 88-year-old mother has had declining health and increasing anxiety the last few months. She is seeing a neurologist soon for her mysterious dizziness and nausea (that might be anxiety--vestibular issues have been ruled out). I live in another state, so my stepbrother will take her to the appointment. (She still drives but it's too far away for her to go alone.) He probably will wait in the waiting room.

Here's my question: If the neurologist does some quick cognitive tests that suggest memory decline, maybe even early dementia, will he tell her those results? Or does the doc normally take a caretaker aside and tell hem? (Surely this is how it works with more severe dementia...)

[Anonymous]

It varies from our experience. I think they try to give info directly to parent, but if the person is clearly in denial and belligerent they work around that. Does your stepbrother have health POA and a release of info? If not, it gets complicated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It varies from our experience. I think they try to give info directly to parent, but if the person is clearly in denial and belligerent they work around that. Does your stepbrother have health POA and a release of info? If not, it gets complicated.

Thanks, helpful. Stepbrother doesn't have POA and I don't think he will even go into the examining room with her. Since this is her first visit with the neurologist I guess I'll just see what info she passes on afterwards, then go from there.

[Anonymous]

Are you on good terms with your stepbrother? If it were me, I'd ask him to ask the doctor to talk to both of them at the same time and then ask him what was said afterwards. Maybe even ask if he can call you so you can listen and ask questions. Its not a violation of privacy if it's ok with your mom and she is competent to decide that it's ok with her.

[Anonymous]

Can she call you and put it on speakerphone when she's getting the results?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can she call you and put it on speakerphone when she's getting the results?

She will probably be too rattled to do this, but I'll touch base with stepbrother and see if he can help make it happen.

[Anonymous]

Consider asking yout mom to give the doctor permission to talk to you/stepbrother about her health. Otherwise, due to HIPPA, the Dr may not be willing to disclose.

Similarly, ask your mom to allow your stepbrother into the appointment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Consider asking yout mom to give the doctor permission to talk to you/stepbrother about her health. Otherwise, due to HIPPA, the Dr may not be willing to disclose.

Similarly, ask your mom to allow your stepbrother into the appointment.

it is HIPAA. The doctor will talk to anyone in the room with your mother. If your stepbrother is willing, he can say in front of mom & doctor, I'm here if you want me to come in.

Also she is 88, don't stress everyone, especially her, with tests.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s valuable to have a companion in the exam room at the end of the appointment, to hear the report, take bites, ask questions if needed. And this would apply even more sk for someone with memory issues. If I were your stepbrother, I’d almost insist on having them call me in for the end discussion with the doctor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can she call you and put it on speakerphone when she's getting the results?

This 100%. It's what I do for my parents' important doctor visits (like prostate cancer, not for a cold). Also, they can verbally give the doctor permission to share their results with you while you are all talking, so then in the future if you call with questions you are already cleared as a contact.

We did this when my dad had a neuropsych eval, and I was later able to call the doctor and she gave me a summary of her findings. I'm sure it will vary by doctor, but it's been working well for us.

[Anonymous]

To get an accurate diagnosis, they will have to do a brain MRI and neuropsych exam. When the results are given, a loved one should be there as well. My mom was in denial and didn’t take the results well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To get an accurate diagnosis, they will have to do a brain MRI and neuropsych exam. When the results are given, a loved one should be there as well. My mom was in denial and didn’t take the results well.

Watching with interest; my MIL is STILL complaining that her *doctor* “sprung an Alzheimer’s test” on her when she went in accompanied by FIL for something else entirely.

FIL called ahead w/ concerns about her obvious cognitive decline and personality changes. Doctor simply followed FIL suggestion.

MIL already had MRI that showed arachnoid cyst and brain atrophy and although they’ve not had a follow up appointment yet - ILs keep insisting that “as long as it’s not Alzheimer’s…we can deal.”

They’re already in denial. DH will accompany his parents at the next follow-up.