Expert: Paula Damgaard - 1/17/2011

Question
Hi. My grandmother has a pretty hard time with short term memory (she can ask the same question more than once or repeat herself). Her long term memory seems pretty good, although probably not perfect. Her husband died a few years ago and sometimes she will slip up and ask where he is, but usually quickly corrects herself. She has done the same thing by asking where her mom or dad is, who have passed away decades ago. Every once in a while, she will forget where things are in her house.

For some reason, the doctor does not think it is Alzheimer's. I "think" my mom said the doctor mention he would be concerned about this if my grandmother's long term memory were affected, which doesn't seem to make sense. My grandmother has had two siblings who were diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and possibly her mother.
On the other hand, my grandmother has diabetes, heart disease, and has had several strokes. The doctor thinks it is the strokes, but her memory seems to be getting worse. She has to be corrected a lot of time on things. I'm not sure what is going on really. When her husband was in the hospital, her memory seemed really bad, but it seemed to improve significantly later on. She also can have a hard time when she first wakes up, or when she is worried about something.

Should we seek help somewhere else, or trust her doctor?
Thanks

Answer
KC,
You should run not walk to somewhere else!  With a family history like she has and the problems she is presenting with I would be seeking other help.  Do you go in the office with your mom when she goes for these appts?  Maybe she isn't really telling you what he is saying???  Let's hope so!

I would seek out a geriatric physician who specializes in dementias.  She needs to have a full work up and see what is going on. With her other medical problems, she may have a vascular dementia with some Alzheimer's thrown in.  Called a Mixed vascular dementia.  But you should find out what is going on so that she can get on treatment.  Granted the treatment isn't the greatest, but it is much better than nothing!!

Good luck and I hope you get help soon!  Paula