We had a fantastic visit with the neurologist PA today at the Sleep Specialty clinic next to the hospital. Her name was Jenny and she spent almost an hour getting history, doing a complete neurological exam from head to toe, and mental exams. She got moms last MRI results from AZ, which showed some brain atrophy but otherwise normal. No bleeds or obvious swelling. Mom really liked her visit with Jenny, she thought it was a game and literally played with her, proudly showing how strong she was during the exams, at one point getting up to show her a hula dance. One interesting symptom that surprised us both was the amount of neuropathy in her lower legs. We are going back in a month for follow up after additional blood work and starting a new medication tomorrow- Namenda (memantine) twice daily, (in addition to Aricept) which can slow the progression of symptoms in moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease, but cannot cure it. And she is also starting Flonase nasal spray, twice daily, for the ever-present post nasal drip, which according to old medical records has been happening at least the last 5 years. (The Kenalog shot last month did nothing to help). On a positive note, because I have had the last 3 days off, we have been aggressive with treating the rash two and three times a day, and keeping her covered, the sores are looking much better.

After that excitement we all went and had a few hairs cut. Mom, Joe, Jack and I all got to take turns in the barbers chair today. We are looking pretty good.

A trip to McDonalds for drinks and ice cream and we stopped at the bank to replenish moms wallet. Then we took a scenic drive around town to see all the freshly fallen snow. It’s been a pretty dry winter here, and this is actually the fist time snow has actually stuck on the ground all winter, but with temperatures in the 40’s next week it won’t last long.

One thing mom stated to the neurologist was that the only reason she doesn’t make her own meals is because I do all the work. So tonight I got out all the ingredients for chili and helped her put together a nice big pot for dinner. She needs about the same amount of supervision as a five year old, but slightly better with knives. It turned out pretty well, even though she accidentally put in about 3 times as much chili powder cause it came out too fast.

Home health will visit tomorrow and we have a dental cleaning scheduled for Wednesday. BUSY, busy, busy.

Recommended reading by the Neurologist….

Published by KaGardn1

I'm trying to live the most meaningful and intentional life possible. Minimalist, Vegetarian, Fierce protector of a full night sleep, Mother, Wife, Daughter -caretaker, Sister, Friend, Nurse. Sharing day to day life with family and friends. A quest to minimize effects of Alzheimer's Disease. View all posts by KaGardn1