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In This Episode:
- Why it’s important to take action, if you notice memory or thinking problems
- Common treatable medical problems that can cause or worsen memory and thinking
- What to take note of, and what information to bring to the doctor
- How to communicate with the doctor beforehand (which is especially useful if your parent or relative feeling defensive)
- What should be covered during a preliminary medical evaluation for memory or thinking concerns
Related Episode:
003– Expert Interview: What to Do if Your Parent is Reluctant to Get Help
Related Resources:
- 8 Behaviors to Take Note of if You Think Someone is Getting Alzheimer’s
- Tools for Caregivers: How journals can help
- How We Diagnose Dementia: the Practical Basics to Know
- 4 Types of Brain-Slowing Medication to Avoid if You’re Worried About Memory
- How to Promote Brain Health: The Healthy Aging Checklist, Part 1
- The Quick Start Guide to Checking Older Parents for Common Health & Safety Issues
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Chastity Washington says
This was very helpful. I approached my mom about this before listening and it didn’t go over well. But I am concerned. I will be looking for more signs just to make sure. She was very defensive, and angry.
RMDconcernedaboutmom says
I am very happy with the podcast.
I wish I had WIFI so I could listen to this again so I can write this down.
I can get to the library once a week.
My mom is 70yrs old and diagnosed with diabeties. My problem is I don’t live with her.
My dad has always depended on her and she likes to be in control.
My new concern is that she has become more irritable and has said things that are extremely startling.
My dad has a severe hearing problem so that increases her anger towards him.
She has hit him several times while my husband and I were there and laughed it off.
My husband and I have both worked in a nursing home so we are noticing some things in mom that resemble the memory problems the patients we have taken care of.
Please contact me through my email as I can get that thru my service.
thank you for your time..
Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH says
I’m glad you found the episode helpful. The situation you’re describing sounds pretty concerning though. If your mother is hitting your father, that’s concerning for elder abuse. So I would recommend considering taking further steps to protect him. I imagine they are used to being together, but if she is hitting him or physically harming them, you should try to get help. Calling Adult Protective Services would be one option to consider, especially if you can’t split them up or otherwise change the situation so that your father isn’t getting hit.
Regarding your mother’s memory, since I published this podcast episode, I have created a newer article covering the evaluation of memory concerns and cognitive impairment. You may want to print it out, to use as a resource:
Cognitive Impairment in Aging: 10 Common Causes & 10 Things the Doctor Should Check
You could also consider getting something like a Pocket Talker, to help your mother communicate with your father. They are a simple audio amplification device, see here. Good luck!
Jen says
Thank you!
Kathy Parks says
Thank you ! This was very helpful. I am gearing up for a physical appointment for my 88 yr. old mother who lives with us and is showing signs of mental decline. You’ve given us such good tips and points to consider regarding preparation for appointments such as this. And, you’ve helped me understand better how to approach difficult topics with her prior to and or/during the upcoming appointment.
Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH says
Glad you found this helpful. Good luck with your upcoming appointments and conversations!
Mike Good says
I thought this was an excellent episode with a tremendous amount of easy to understand tips and invaluable advice. I’ve got episode 3 queued up to listen to soon 🙂
Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH says
Thank you, I’m glad you found this helpful.