Forgetfulness. Has Tinnitus, Diabetes. Prescribed Micro Speaker. Is This Normal? Does He Have Alzheimer?

Posted on Sat, 7 Jul 2012

Question: My previous Email is the one below , but I will add that my father has a Good health so far, his weight : 88 kg , Length : 170 cm .
His Nutrition is OK , I just noticed his sleeping is from 1:00AM to 6 AM , then he wake up to go to the Court.
but any way his retirment is coming in 2 months , and he may get more sleep , Is that help?
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Hi
My father is 70 Old , since 2 years he starts to forget things in
steady manner, but this year I feel it is icreased.
He forgets his dinner yeserday , forgets some times that he is invited
to a party today, and often forgets where he kept things like papers
especially, he forgets that he need to have shower after a warm day,
and when he request from me some thing , the day after he may ask my
brother "where is that thing"? , he forget who told him that story .
one time he gave a loan to my uncle of 40,000. and after one month he
asked my uncle : "was it 200,000 ?" so my uncle was surprised ! .
but my father didn't forget the way back home , the names of closed
relatives or friends , the way he live is no problem .
- He is complaining from a light 'Tinnitus' , the Doctor described a
micro XXXXXXX ear speaker , but my father return it after one week ,
doesn't like it.
- He is not concintrating to whom speaking if there is another people
chatting around ! , some times he will say to them :" Please calm down
, let us lesten " The doctor XXXXXXX that he has the 7th nerve weakness
, and need that micro speaker to treat it , but he refuse them and XXXXXXX it is anoying.
- His Career is a 'JUDGE' , he will retire in 2 months . he drive
normally day time "before 3 years he has noproblem".
- He is diabetic , but less than 200 . and not having problems of it.
he takes Sugar organizing tablets only.
- The Question : Is that is Normal , or Does My father Suffering from
early stage of 'Alzahimer' ?
- What is my job as his SON ?
Many thanks XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shiva Kumar R (1 hour later)

Hello

Thanks for the query

From the clinical details provided to me it looks like he has problems with his recent memory and concentration problems. He has vascular risk factors like diabetes. Based on the details it looks to me like he is suffering from early dementia. Most common cause for dementia is Alzheimer' s disease. In view of his diabetes possibility of vascular dementia also needs consideration.

Nutritional problems like Thyroid disorders and Depression can present present with features of dementia and are treatable disorders. Before considering degenerative diseases one has to always look for treatable diseases as mentioned earlier.

So I personally request you to see a Neurologist or a Dementia specialist for a detailed examination and consultation. He need to undergo detailed Neuropsyche evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and exclude underlying depression. MRI of the brain along with Vit B12 levels, thyroid profile and EEG may be required as a part of work up for dementia. Based on the information obtained medications can be started to prevent the progression of memory problems.

I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you find my response to be both helpful and adequate. If you have any additional concerns regarding your question I would be happy to address them.

Sincerely,

Dr Shiva Kumar R
Consultant Neurologist & Epileptologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar