All of us have elderly parents that at times seem to become forgetful.
At times a parent may have difficulty in thinking or remembering.
If you see any changes in the mental state of mom or dad the first thing to do is to discuss the concern with your family physician and request an evaluation for your loved one.
The important issue is to find a doctor that will do a thorough evaluation.
Evaluations all may vary depending on the physician.
A good evaluation should always include a medical examination, a detailed history from a close family member that can explain changes that the person seems to have and when they started.
A physical examination should be performed to reveal any health problems.
A neurological examination should be performed to reveal changes of the brain.
All these tests, through the evaluation will identify any conditions that may be present or rule out certain conditions.
That is why at the first sign of any mental changes, a proper evaluation is important.
It is also important that the doctor determine whether the individual may be depressed.
Depression is common in elderly people.
Depression may cause symptoms that are similar to Dementia.
Depression can cause the Dementia to be worse.
The final part of the evaluation should be a discussion with the family members, the person receiving the evaluation and the physician.
At this time the physician can explain the findings and you will be able to ask questions.
It will help your loved one understand what is happening.
The physician may also make recommendations regarding the care or supportive services for your loved one.
it is important then to have an evaluation performed.
it will provide you with information regarding the areas of mental functions that a person is having problems with or in which areas the person is still independent.
This can help you set up a plan of care to be able to cope with any changes that will affect your loved one.
It can help families address certain issues they may have found difficult to address in the past, like driving or ADL's (Activities of Daily Living).
It will give you the proper information you need to deal with a parent that may be diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia.
It will give you a basis to be able to plan for the future of your loved one.
It will allow you to know what is really going on with mom or dad.
It will alleviate that stressful feeling you may have that something may not be right with your loved one.
It will also ease your mind to know that you are helping your loved one through any difficulties they may be facing.
An evaluation is the most important thing you can do for your aging parent.