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Is Neuropsychology Testing Effective In Diagnosing Dementia?
Question: My 79 year old mother was recently diagnosed with moderate dementia. History: septic encephalopathy in Oct., 2015. She has very little memory of her 2 week hospital stay. Since that time, she does very well and is very functional. The only cognitive impairment that is noticeable is very short term memory issues, I.e., she will sometimes forget something I told her a few hours later. She also has trouble finding words and finishing a train of thought at times.
Complete Neuro work up was done. Brain MRI showed an old, very small stroke. Neuropsych testing diagnosed the moderate to severe dementia. The neurologist reported that her diagnosis was based solely on the neuropsychology findings. Due to that dx, the doctor is refusing to let my mom drive. We were not told what type of dementia is suspected.
My question is this: I understand the difference between cognitive impairment and dementia (although both are very broad terms) to be that with dementia, the patients daily activities/living functions are impaired. Is this correct? I don't think I'm in denial, but my Mom is so functional. She can multitask, take care of all her normal activities, like cooking, paying bills, medications, etc. I'm wondering why the neurologist would rely solely on the neuropsychology testing, and not on the whole battery of tests that she gave Mom.
Since 10/2015 hospitalization, Mom has been very depressed. She lost her husband in the last year and was placed into Independent Living because she was told she couldn't live alone. She failed the test to get into Assisted Living because her cognitive status was too good
I think dementia is a misdiagnosis. Pls advise.
Complete Neuro work up was done. Brain MRI showed an old, very small stroke. Neuropsych testing diagnosed the moderate to severe dementia. The neurologist reported that her diagnosis was based solely on the neuropsychology findings. Due to that dx, the doctor is refusing to let my mom drive. We were not told what type of dementia is suspected.
My question is this: I understand the difference between cognitive impairment and dementia (although both are very broad terms) to be that with dementia, the patients daily activities/living functions are impaired. Is this correct? I don't think I'm in denial, but my Mom is so functional. She can multitask, take care of all her normal activities, like cooking, paying bills, medications, etc. I'm wondering why the neurologist would rely solely on the neuropsychology testing, and not on the whole battery of tests that she gave Mom.
Since 10/2015 hospitalization, Mom has been very depressed. She lost her husband in the last year and was placed into Independent Living because she was told she couldn't live alone. She failed the test to get into Assisted Living because her cognitive status was too good
I think dementia is a misdiagnosis. Pls advise.
Brief Answer:
Get a second opinion.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concerns.
Driving requires focused concentration and quick reaction time which decline with age.
Dementia(s) accelerates this process dramatically.
If the diagnosis of the Neuologist was the right one, the driving was restricted for your mother's safety.
But, in the other hand, an important accurate predictor of driving trouble is a caregiver's assessment.
If you feel safe when your mother is driving, the restriction should be reconsidered.
The main change between mild cognitive impairment and dementia(s) is the severity of the symptoms, and, unfortunately in your mother's case, neuropsychological tests play an important role in the diagnosis.
Depression is a feature of both, mild cognitive impairment and dementia and should be treated using antidepressants, counseling too.
If you think there was a misdiagnosis, in my opinion, you should ask for a second opinion by an independent Neurologist.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Get a second opinion.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concerns.
Driving requires focused concentration and quick reaction time which decline with age.
Dementia(s) accelerates this process dramatically.
If the diagnosis of the Neuologist was the right one, the driving was restricted for your mother's safety.
But, in the other hand, an important accurate predictor of driving trouble is a caregiver's assessment.
If you feel safe when your mother is driving, the restriction should be reconsidered.
The main change between mild cognitive impairment and dementia(s) is the severity of the symptoms, and, unfortunately in your mother's case, neuropsychological tests play an important role in the diagnosis.
Depression is a feature of both, mild cognitive impairment and dementia and should be treated using antidepressants, counseling too.
If you think there was a misdiagnosis, in my opinion, you should ask for a second opinion by an independent Neurologist.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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