sensitive request

My dad has dementia, but we don't know how to get him any sort of help for it. His doctor is OK but not overly helpful. I don't even know for sure if he has dementia, but the only way to find out (as far as what his dr has said) is to bring him somewhere like LIJ or Northshore where they can give him a battery of social/mental/physical tests which my dad will probably complain about all day long (he thinks there's nothing wrong with him, just a bit forgetful, but it's like every day he forgets that he was very confused the day before...can't understnad why he's getting more confused..etc). I don't want to subject him to anything that he's going to get upset about yet I don't feel comfortable enough not doing anything about this problem at all. I would also like to get him to some sort of a senior center during the day for a bit. He lives at home, me, DH and DS are moving in early next year. I know of a senior center in our town run by Catholic Charities (I have to find out first if they'll take him without an "official" diagnosis of dementia or not) but I think if they take him he would like that over going to an actual nursing home-run senior center.

If anyone has any advise and would like to share, please FM me - I'm not sure what steps to take now and his dr is not being very helpful. thanks.

Re: sensitive request

First, I just want to offer I know this can't be easy to deal with.

Is his doctor just a GP, or does he specialize in geriatrics? Can his doc give you a recommendation to a specialist who might be able to help out?

I'd consider taking him for the tests at one of the hospitals if you can.

And more

Re: sensitive request

so sorry.....

yeah, he has to endure that battery of psych tests in order to get a diagnosis.

If it's any consolation, most patients experiencing memory loss are easily frustrated / grumpy, so I'm sure the people administering the tests will be able to get your dad through them....

Re: sensitive request

In addition to the neuropsych testing he needs an MRI of the brain and blood work to test levels of B12, B6(i think) and folic acid.

I can give you the phone numbers to a few places that may be helpful to you. If you need a recommendation for a doc that specializes in memory disorders FM me and I will give you a few phone numbers. All my info is at work so I can send it to you tomorrow.