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help! Dr's are not in agreement! We are confused!

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Alzheimer's Disease
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Posted 6/9/2008 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
My mom took a cognitive test a couple of weeks ago.  Her Neurologist said she has "mild dementia" He put her on a drug that is used to slow down Alzheimer's and dementia.  (Aricept)

She had apt. with her cardiologist last week.  He was asking what meds she was taking.  She mentioned the Arcept.  He said.."So..you have Alzheimers?"  She (and my sister) said "no"  The Neurologist said it's mild dementia.

The cardiologist said.."That's the same thing"  "You have alzheimers!"

My sister and I don't know who to believe.  I'm thinking that the Neurologits is the one that tested her.  He said "no not Alzheimers..just the same meds"  The cardiologist said.."Dementia and Alzheimer's and dementia is the same"

WHO DO WE BELIEVE?  Thanks for any help.  We are confused.

Posted 6/10/2008 10:35 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not an expert on Alzheimers and dementias but I would definately stick with the neurologists diagnosis. Many doctors think that AZ and dementia is one and the same but the fact is there are several types of dementias. I'm not sure if the dementias can eventually turn into AZ or not but I do know that AZ accounts for 50-70% of cases. Has there been any other testing done for your mom?
Posted 6/10/2008 12:00 PM (GMT 0)
Red is absoultely right
There are many types of Dementias
Alzheimer's and dementia are not one and the same
Some demetias can turn into full alzheimers

I will wait to see if you respond to Red's questions..........

I am glad you posted and I do hope you will come back and get some input and support

Thanks Red....Lyn
Posted 6/10/2008 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
Dementia & Alzheimer's is not the exact same thing though it can be caused by different things.I was dx at age 57 with AD then at age 66 retested & now have Vascular Dementia,one cause is from strokes,or low bloodflow to the brain.Confront the Dr & ask point blank.You learn when you ask then check out the internet.........
Posted 6/10/2008 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Snowlyn..Thank you so much for your reply.  My sister just talked to the Nuerologist.  He told her that he believes she has Vascular Dementia because of some "shrinkage" they noticed in her MRI.  I will do some research on this.  Thank you. :)
Posted 6/11/2008 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Snowy

Luvs
LYN
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