here is the link to
the 21 question questionnaire
yesterday when i did an q and a on alzheimers disease
i recommended folks use this as a way to evaluate
their family member or friend to help decide if they
had a problem with their memory
and
if it is needed then
a medical evaluation
here is how to use this form
answer the questions
score it
if they score high
they need evaluated
take a copy of the completed form to their doctors
you go with them
the doctor will accept the form and will usually act
on what it shows
it also gets entered in the medical record so it wont
usually be ignored by their doctor
ie
now their memory is ok wont be an answer
if you have documented a problem
doctors and medical systems get audited and will
usually act when provided this document
for yourself if you are concerned about your memory
go to
this link for the best five self administered tests
if the results are abnormal
further evaluation is warranted
it doesnt necessarily mean there is a problem
remember these are screening tests
and again
copy the test and take it with you to the doctors visit
yesterday i did a question and answer session on alzheimers disease
at a facility near my home for caregivers and representatives
of different home health agencies and long term care facilities
i enjoy these as i let the questions determine which direction the
session goes
although i have talking points of questions i want to answer
like politicians do
i try to let the audience get the questions out and hopefully
answers to things they want to know
about medications
side effects
how to get a workup for dementia
how to get your doctor to listen a real problem im afraid to say
i suggest the 21 question test and take it in with them to the visit
what new tests are becoming available
what a person can do if they are diagnosed
or
what a person can do to keep from getting dementia
the answer to that is the same
healthy stuff like control weight blood pressure diabetes
cholesterol depression anxiety decrease stress sleep well
exercise be happy etc
and
for those younger folks its important to do that also
whats new in alzheimers research
they are looking at diagnosing folks earlier and earlier
as the push is to begin treatment before symptoms occur
a lot of research is ongoing now starting new treatments that
if it works will slow down or prevent alzheimers disease
a lot of questions got answered yesterday
hope it helped
the caregivers the ones who feel the brunt of this disease
the most asked most of the questions
good questions
hope i answered them to their satisfaction
on april 30 2014 for those of you in the central texas area
there will be the 2nd annual alzheimers symposium
at the mayborn center in temple texas
here is the link on the symposium
this is the one i spoke at last year
this year the symposium will be almost totally focused
on caregiving
i plan to attend and look forward to the sessions
as i too am doing some planning for the future
and
hope to learn some things that will be helpful
remember im luckier that most patients
i get to do planning
while most dont get to
the organicgreen doctor
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