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78 Year Old Having Dementia, Weight Loss. Blood Test Showing Low Hemoglobin RBC. Spinal Tap Scheduled. Should I Be Concerned?
My is 78 years old, possible Dementia and in the last nine months she has lost almost 30 pounds. Blood work shows low Lymphocytes, low RBC , Low Hemoglobin, Low Hematocrit, High RDW , High Folate Serum, High Total Protein, High Globulin, Low A/G Ratio, High Cholesterol , and High Magnesium. They will be performing a spinal tap next week. Should I be concerned?
posted on
Mon, 27 Aug 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 27 Aug 2012
Answered on
Mon, 27 Aug 2012
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
Your relative is suffering from chronic disease, restricting his/ her dietary intake and leading nutritonal anemia.
Chronic disease of any type may restrict routine activites with poor nutrition.
Weight loss is also due to same reason.
Yes...you should go for spinal tap and try to find the cause of demetia.
Do you have undergone CT/ MRI scan of brain?
Take care,
Dr.Mayank Bhargava
Thanks for posting your query.
Your relative is suffering from chronic disease, restricting his/ her dietary intake and leading nutritonal anemia.
Chronic disease of any type may restrict routine activites with poor nutrition.
Weight loss is also due to same reason.
Yes...you should go for spinal tap and try to find the cause of demetia.
Do you have undergone CT/ MRI scan of brain?
Take care,
Dr.Mayank Bhargava
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