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Anonymous32451
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Default Jul 10, 2021 at 09:58 AM
  #1
can anyone tell me what criteria I would need to meet to be accepted for a dimentia test?
can I just show up at the doctors and say I'm forgetting things a lot, I have a really short-term memory, etc etc, or will they just say oh it might be the neds, it may be your dissociation, etc etc (because they do contribute to it as well)

but I feel I need to do this for my own peace of mind. I just don't want to look stupid when explaining to the doctors why
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ArtleyWilkins
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Default Jul 10, 2021 at 10:59 AM
  #2
My husband started having signs of early onset dementia: short-term memory loss and some cognitive decline at times. Family doctor referred us to a psychologist for testing. At the time, he ended up having some other medical issues that took priority and we didn’t get the testing done. Then, last year we were working on getting him on Social Security disability for his physical problems. When disability started going over his medical records, they found the notation about memory testing and offered to have him evaluated as part of his disability assessment. He had the testing through a psychologist and definitely showed problems that were additionally helpful in him getting approved for disability. He was approved immediately, first time, without any outside help with the paperwork. He passed away recently, but the memory testing was important as part of his assessment.

There is no need to be afraid of looking stupid. Doctors refer people for testing all the time. The hardest part is finding someone who actually does the testing - not all psychologists specialize in testing. The testing will help sort out what you are experiencing - if it is related to dissociation, then at least you will know. If it isn’t, you’ll know that too. In my husband’s case, it was related a great deal to his medical condition and the long-term use of certain medications to manage his physical symptoms. Brain stuff is tricky that way.
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Mountaindewed
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Default Jul 11, 2021 at 01:12 AM
  #3
I was told by a couple doctors to see a neurologist because of vertigo. I have other stuff going on too. But I was referred by my primary and ER doctors.

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Rose76
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Default Jul 25, 2021 at 01:22 AM
  #4
Any doctor (or nurse, for that matter) can administer a mini-mental status test. It's quite brief. It involves things like "spell WORLD backwards" count up by adding/subtracting 7s, be able to repeat a list of objects named to you 10 minutes ago, etc. Your doctor might opt to do this before referring you to a specialist.

A doctor won't mind you raising this issue. But a doctor might hesitate to refer you, if he/she finds that you seem basically mentally competent.

A higher level of testing that does not take more than an hour is done by speech therapists. They do a lot of testing in nursing homes.

The gold standard would be done by a clinical psychologist. That's a lengthy, expensive series of tests. Your insurance would need a good reason to pay for that - like you having difficulties keeping yourself safe.
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