So my mom went to a neurologist and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The neuro was gentle, vague and didn’t go on and on about it, but was direct with my sister who was in the room after my mom had left.
My mom had a ct scan a few days later that was ordered by her general practitioner (before she even had her appt with neuro).
The general practionet emails today and said ct scan shows nothing “acutely abnormal”. What the heck? Is that code for “there is something abnormal, but don’t worry” or does she maybe not have Alzheimer’s?
So confused.
Medicine is an art, not a science. While some science is used in medicine, the overall system is qualitative not quantitative. The neurologist's diagnosis is his opinion, not a proven fact. The GP's diagnosis is his opinion, not a proven fact. You don't get much surety in medicine. You get opinions.
Doctors have a license to practice. That’s what they do.
https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/recognizing-and-diagnosing-alzheimers.htm/
On looking at the neuro’s notes it says she gave my mom a physical exam and noted each one in her notes.however, my sister said neuro didn’t check any of that.
Does a neuro normally give a physical exam as well? One of my kids is epileptic and her neuro usually does one, but I wasn’t sure if they do for Alzheimer’s.
cwillie...thank you for the link. That was actually very helpful.
Sorry you are going through this, I know how you feel, it's scary as hell.
My mom just had a neuro appointment, and they did a test called MMSE. It takes about 10 minutes and has 30 questions. My mom scared a 20, which indicates "cognitive decline" aka dementia. I'm wondering if that is what your mom had? I understand it's a very common screening test.
If you want something more comprehensive you could ask for a neuro-psych eval which is about 4 and a half hours long. The doctor suggested and ordered one of those for my mom.
Keep talking to the neurologist. If she has early ALZ then there may be meds to help slow the process. IMO of all the specialties in medicine, a neuro is who you need on board for dementia.
Also my mom had a stroke in 2014 so she's had a few MRI's. They show much more than a CT scan, and my mom's vascular disease was evident. That's why at the appointment we just had the doctor used the word "vascular dementia". I'm not sure what an MRI would show with ALZ, but it may give you more answers. Ask the neurologist if an MRI would be a good idea?
Good luck. You have found a great place to get help and support. This place has been a life saver for me.
I have a epileptic grandson, a nephew with a neurological problem and my Mom with Dementia all going to the same neurologist and he has never given a physical. There was a form filled out asking family history and any medical things you are experiencing. When my Mom was tested it was a series of tests. The way she answers is how they determine ALZ from the other Dementias because it does effect the brain differently. There are some great videos explaining how ALZ effects the brain.
PCP are good for everyday illnesses. They are called General Practitioners because their knowledge is a little of this and a little of that. He may suspect a Dementia but a neurologist has the knowledge to know it definitely is and prescribe the meds needed.
see this article...
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048075
As someone stated GP are great for everyday things, however, they did not go to the extra few years to become a specialist in one area.
But don't guess - and especially, don't let me guess for you! Call the GP and ask him/her to explain what the report on the CT scan means. I don't want to depress you beforehand but I believe it to be most unlikely that it rules out Alzheimer's Disease.