Expert: Paula Damgaard - 12/17/2009

Question
I care for a 81 year old friend, and lately he has been showing signs that are not normal. (thinks there are people in his room, insisting he had objects that he didn't, thinks every conversation is about him, seeing things that are not here, forgetting how to use things he had no trouble with months before.) I think he has (Moderate or mid-stage Alzheimer's disease) everything fits, but i cant get the doctors to check they tell me he probably has a mild case of dementia. All because he can remember his address and ss#. This man can act normal when around nurses or doctors but a hour latter he reverts back. how can I convince them to check more closely?

Answer
Bonnie, find a new doctor.  Preferably one who specializes in dementias.  A geriatrician or a neurologist.  Not sure if I would say he is in the moderate stage from what you describe, but testing by a neuropsychologist would answer that pretty quickly!  Call the local Alzheimer's Association and ask if they know if there are doctors in your area who could help you.  

Good luck I hope you can convince him to go.  Paula