Expert: Paula Damgaard - 11/12/2008

Question
Hi, My mother is 59 and I just visited with her and I am
seeing evidence of memory loss between her and my father.  
They live on a hobby farm and have no dementia since
they're sharp enough to run it.  But I have noticed that
they didn't believe most of the things I talked about with
them, and when I was right they corrected me with the wrong
information.  They have done this before, but now they do
it so much it is emotionally hard to talk to them.  It
shows my mother is forgetting more and more facts, and my
father now doubts all kinds of conversations because he is
so used to having to doubt what she says.  Of course he
might have memory problems now too.  Does this sound like
just natural aging, or could this be some signs of coming
dementia?

Answer
Jason, It could of course be a problem.  Do you think you could convince them to get checked?  They should atleast start with a good physical exam and then once they get that back see if the doctor can denote anything which could be indicative of a problem.  If the doctor doesn't answer your questions or give you a good idea of what is going on, suggest they see a neurologist or someone who specializes in dementia.  You can find one by calling the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Assoc in your area.  They should be able to give you a recommendation.  Hopefully he will be able to help you sort out what is going on.  I doubt that it is both of them, it could be that they are afraid and are trying to cover for each other.  So doing this now is so important.  

Can you separate them and ask them if they notice any problems with the other?  Maybe that would help in getting them to see a doctor.  Tell them that the sooner they get a  diagnosis the better the treatment can work.  So get them to get moving!  Good luck.  Paula