4 Comments

1. trish andres on July 26, 2010 at 2:05 am

   I scored 25/30 on my first test for MCI. In Aug ’09 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and have been off work since then. I believe that my MCI symptoms are related to thyroid as I did not have short term memory impairment, speech impairment or the overwhelming sense of trying to think about more than one thing at a time. My GP says my test results have nothing to do with thyroid. How do I find out that real cause of my MCI. I’ll be seeing my Internist next week and will ask him for help also. I’d appreciate any info that you cd refer me to. Thank you

   Reply
   • admin on August 5, 2010 at 1:06 am

     Dear Ms. Andres(?),

     You did not indicate which test was given to you. Typically, the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) are 30 point scales. So assuming you did take one or both, a score <26 could indicate MCI.

     Indeed, as you implied, thyroid problems could underly a reversible MCI. So could other conditions such as: central nervous system infections, other hormonal imbalances, B12 anemia, and normal pressure hydrocephalus.

     To investigate what may be any of the underlying causes of MCI requires a dedicated and thorough evaluation of all the possible factors associated with cognitive impairment. Thyroid problems are often misdiagnosed or overlooked. If you feel that your thyroid function has not been adequately evaluated and diagnosed, then by all means seek out the assistance of a specialist that will listen to your complaints. Similarly, estrogen and testosterone imbalances should be evaluated carefully by a qualified and experienced physician.

     If your test results were to truly reflect an issue with parts of your brain that are linked to the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, your doctor could order a specialized MRI, or PET scan to look at atrophy in the hippocampus. These evaluations can show the brain's biological changes associated with the risk for Alzheimer's disease before any other diagnostic test.

     Please forgive the delay in my reply. I was out of town, and unable to take the time to give you a thoughtful response. I did attempt to email you directly and provided my direct number to reach me.

     Sincerely, Ralph Sanchez

     Reply
2. Marilyn Acquafredda on February 18, 2011 at 8:24 am

   My dad is currently living in an Assisted Living facility. He has a tendency to wander off the premises and become temporarily confused. The administrator insists that he be tested for dementia or Alzheimer’s and I agree. However I am unsure it there is a definitive test or is it subjective. Also what type of doctor do I set up an appointment with? Is it a psychiatrist, a neurologist or his primary doctor? Also, he has had a history of head injuries throughout his life from falls, accidents and an assault. Lastly, he has always displayed symptoms of compulsive/obsessive behaviors (i.e. hoarding, anti-social), but he enjoys excellent health for an 84 year old man. Please advise as I am certain he will soon be asked to leave his current facility and I don’t know what kind of future placement best serves his needs. I looked into VA services but that seems to not be an option. Thank you.
   Thank you.

   Reply
   • admin on February 21, 2011 at 7:07 pm

     Dear Ms. Acquafredda,

     There are several questions in your comment that I will attempt to answer in sequence….

     First, the benefit to you father being tested for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease at this stage in his life, will serve to have him place in an appropriate assisted living environment. As you mentioned, he tends to “wander off”, and that puts him at risk. There are many good assisted living centers that have dementia/Alzheimer’s areas that offer enhanced security measures and care. We had to place my mother in a dementia ward in a wonderful assisted living center in Corona Del Mar, CA., and it has been the best thing for her ongoing care and for her safety.

     I recommend a neurologist experienced in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia for an assessment. Samples of basic evaluations are the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) that are used to gauge the degree of cognitive impairment. The MoCA test was designed to be more sensitive in screening visuospatial and executive function impairments, and is generally considered a more comprehensive evaluation. Here is a link to a more complete overview of the tests…http://www.agingwellmag.com/news/ex_012511_01.shtml

     There are also more extensive evaluations, Pet Scans and MRIs, that can be performed to look at the state of key areas of the brain (hippocampus & enterorhinal cortex ) for shrinkage (atrophy). Screening for the size, and/or the shrinkage of the hippocampus and the enterorhinal cortex, is now recognized as a window of assessment that predicts the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

     In the hands of competent professionals, the tests noted here are useful for the evaluation and diagnosis of cognitive impairment as it relates to various neurological diseases.

     The fact that you father has had an extensive history of brain trauma is significant. Brain trauma from accidents or strokes increases the risk of developing dementia or AD as an individual ages. Heart disease and diabetes also raises the risk, or the possibility of neurological disease. There are many factors therein, like homocysteine (blood test), that can be evaluated for the sake of controlling risk factors associated with the onset of dementia or AD.

     So to summarize, your father should be evaluated by an experienced neurologist. I recommend that you seek a good assisted living center that has specialized care and security for individuals residing there with dementia or AD. Look for an assisted living center that provides plenty of activity and stimulation exercises for their residents. Physical and mental stimulation is very important for their quality of life.

     Please do not overlook nutrition. Unfortunately, even the better assisted living centers do not in my opinion, do a very good job with food/menu planning. I have the staff at my mother’s assisted living center make her a very nourishing shake every day with whey protein, fish oil, CoQ10 and other nutrients added. I also have arranged with the staff there to have her take several supplements with her meals. The antioxidant and other brain nourishing and protective that I mention througtout this website can bring another dimension of proactive care for your father that can contribute to his wellness. Please read: https://thealzheimerssolution.com/blueberry-polyphenols-protect-the-brain-from-the-degenerative-processes-associated-with-brain-aging-and-alzheimers-disease/

     and…https://thealzheimerssolution.com/alpha-lipoic-protects-brain-cells-neurons-antioxidant-mechanisms-for-alzheimers-prevention/

     The very best to you and your father…Ralph Sanchez

     Reply

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