Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Dorothy]

After arguing myself hoarse with a very unhelpful GP receptionist, I finally managed to get a note put on my mum's medical records that I was very concerned about her memory.  Fortunately, it seems like the GP has actually read the notes, since the last time my mum had an appointment (for something totally different) she was very upset to be asked about her memory and the GP asked her to go back for blood tests.

Does anyone know how they can check memory from blood tests?  Does it always pick up memory issues?  Her behaviour and her memory have been getting worse, so I am really hoping this will at least lead to a diagnosis and hopefully treatment too.

[CLKD]

I don't know the answer, not ever having considered it in relation to memory.  Blood tests might have been a ploy to get her back into the Surgery?  Blood tests are a good route if thyroid function etc. are done.  Also sugar tests.

Urine infections can cause memory muddles.   Maybe you could ring the GP and ask?  It may be that he will do basic tests whilst wathing your Mum's reactions.

I have asked for a review of my Mum's mental health, there's something 'wrong' but I can't put my finger on it.  There are specific memory tests for specific conditions too.  Do you have Power of Attorney, it might make it easier to get 'stuff' done!

[Dorothy]

No POA and putting a note about my concern on her records was the most they would do.  And that was a mammoth task.  I asked them to call her in for 'routine' tests that included memory, but they wouldn't.  And she has been refusing point blank to go.  They won't do anything unless she asks for it because of patient confidentiality/data protection etc, etc, etc.  Which is really annoying, as I know other GP surgeries HAVE called patients in for review when relatives have expressed concern, so it's obviously something that is down to the discretion of the surgery.

They actually told her the bloods were to check memory and diabetes so I think it must be so.  It's not a UTA - she's had those a lot, but this is something that's been coming on for years and getting steadily worse.

[sheila99]

I think you need to share your concerns with the GP not the receptionist. My Dad was diagnosed 4 years. The GP did a mental test & referred him to a hospital clinic where he was diagnosed by mental tests & history. There wasn't a blood test to diagnose it then. He was terrified of being diagnosed too. The GP was very sympathetic and willing to talk to me. For anyone losing mental ability confidentiality is a bit of a grey area, particularly if might put themselves in danger.

[Wilks]

Hi, the blood tests are to rule out other causes of the symptoms, there isn't a blood test for dementia.

[Salad]

My mum has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
I contacted the Adult Health & Social Care Team at the County Council who arranged an assessment of her needs in her home. A Mental Health Specialist Nurse was part of team and it was her who did the full memory assessment. She also contacted the GP for my mums blood test and brain scan to be sorted- these are to rule out other causes for the memory/dementia symptoms. All results were then passed to a Psychiatrist to get diagnosis confirmed.
It took about 4 months to get the diagnosis
- maybe contact Alzheimer Society for advice?

[Dorothy]

- maybe contact Alzheimer Society for advice?

I did.  All they could advise was for me to encourage my mum to visit her GP - which I had already spent months trying to do!

I think you need to share your concerns with the GP not the receptionist.

I'm not a patient at the surgery and the receptionist won't put me through to a GP unless I am.  Although I'm not sure it would have made much difference, because 2 years ago, I WAS at the same surgery as my mum (different surgery) and I did raise my concerns with that GP only to be told she couldn't do anything unless mum asked herself.  That surgery wouldn't even note my concerns on mum's medical record so I guess at least I am one step forward now.

[Wilks]

My dad had dementia and beyond letting the GP know my concerns (I wrote to him), you cannot force someone to go to the doctor. My dad was in denial and it was a good year before he agreed to see the doctor 

[CLKD]

Sadly one cannot be forced into attending Surgery.  You have raised your concerns thus far.  Maybe make notes when you speak or visit with your Mum?  Also I do recommend looking into Power of Attorney - then raise the point with her, i.e. "My friends have been to see a Solicitor about the care they may require in future and have made Power of Attorney for each other".   This isn't simply in relation to old age creeping up but should some have a stroke or road accident, the method for making sure that correct treatment quickly is implemented: Age UK Charity shops have lots of leaflets that may be a starting point for up-2-date info..

Now that you have raised the issue hopefully the GP will apply joined up thinking  but unless you are Next of Kin or have PoA he/she won't want to break confidentiality.