We got good news! The neuropsych exam did show evidence of something neurological going on - but the results were NOT consistent with Alzheimer's! Yeah! He said there was enough difference between the right sided and left sided brain functions that he believes it is more likely to be from a seizure disorder in that part of the brain - or possibly damage from a silent stroke. We are now referred back to the neurologist. He said he would expect the decline to be more "across the board" if it was AD. He said it doesn't mean that he won't develop AD at a later point - but he doesn't think that is the current problem. He addressed the need for psychiatric assessment because of the evidence of depression, antisocial personality traits, intermittent explosive disorder, etc. I think hubby may see a pyschiatrist and see if they can work with meds to make some positive difference in that. That would be a wonderful outcome of all this. And for those of you who remember his "aluminum foil hat" stunt, the guy giving us the results said "none of this is based on your hat; we did know you were joking and we had a laugh about it after you left". It was interesting to read the 5 page report. I am really happy they didn't say the results were all normal - because I would have still worried about AD because I know SOMETHING isn't normal. So for them to acknowledge there is something neurological going on - but they don't think it is AD was about the best I could have hoped for. I plan to stick around to learn what I can - since he does have the genetic markers and family history - but at least I can stop panicking. I appreciate so much your support. I will keep praying for all of you. Hugs, N2E

N2E, this is wonderful news. NOT Alzheimer! Hooooray!!

Every kind of psychological disorder can be treated both with drugs and with therapy (counseling) so that an end is in sight, improvement will start, life will return to normal. I am so happy for you!

Please come back after awhile to let us know how he is doing.

Love,

Martha

Hip Hip Horray!!! It's really something when we're relieved to hear doctors have discovered something wrong. But the good news is that it's not AD! It's something that can be treated. YAY!!!!

It's such a refreshing breather to hear good news from others. It really helps us all. Thank you!

Love, Barb

Glory be!!!!!!!!!! SO happy that the diagnosis is something medicine will likely fix. Hope hubby cooperates to the fullest!

So happy for the two of you!!

Cheers! Barbara :)

Thanks for rejoicing with me. I almost felt guilty posting the good news - since nearly everyone here is dealing with the worst of diseases - but I knew that you would be happy with us. I definitely will lurk and keep you posted on his progress. Even if there is no progress, I will just be glad if there is no further decline. Thanks again to all. Hugs, N2E

N2E,

Oh, don't feel guilty. We need some good news around here every now and then. I'm so happy for you. I know it will be a relief to know what it is and to have a plan of action.

But sometimes.....it's pretty nice to know what it ISN'T.

You've met us all now, so you have to visit often! And we'll want to know how your dh progresses, as well.

Take a deep breath and get some long-needed rest!

Excellent advice! :)

I am happy for you and hope your hubby will follow through will some counseling. I am curious, he mentioned silent strokes, didn't your hubby have MRI, it seems this would have shown up there. My husband has vascular dementia from silent strokes. They are treating him with the same type of medicine as AD, which seems to be helping him a great deal. Will they evenually be able to tell if it is siezure or something else going on in the brian? Does he seem to feel better about the results? I know you must be relieved as all kinds of things go on in your head until you find out for sure. Wishing you the best and thanks for sharing, it helps all of us.
Diane