ASK DR. DEB

by Debra Fredericks, Ph.D., APN, PMHCNS-BC
Integrated Behavioral Healthcare

Dear Dr. Deb;
I am worried about my grandfather. I’ve been away at college so I do not see my family often. Every year we spend Christmas at “Nana’s and PopPop’s” house. This year he seemed sort of distracted and thought I was still in high school. My dad said that there is nothing wrong – that he has “good days and bad days” because of his age (PopPop is 84). I took a psychology class and learned about dementia. My grandfather acted like I learned about in my class. Could my grandfather be coming down with dementia? What should I do?

Signed, A Loving Granddaughter

 

Dear “A Loving Granddaughter;”

Every year I receive many phone calls from family members after visiting with relatives over the holidays. It is often difficult to notice symptoms of early dementia when you are with a person every day. When you haven’t seen someone for a year, changes appear more obvious.

There are so many different causes of cognitive decline it is very important to obtain a thorough evaluation. Unfortunately, people often delay seeking help due to fear. I cannot overstate the importance of obtaining expert evaluation if cognitive performance declines. What if it is due to a reversible cause such as sleep apnea or vitamin deficiency? How terrible to continue to suffer when reversal or improvement is available.

Of course, in your case, it seems that your family is not concerned. However, I think you are correct to be concerned. Your “PopPop” might have been experiencing a mild delirium, early symptoms of dementia, cognitive symptoms of physical illness, or simply was just overtired. It is significant that he forgot you are in college, even in passing. He deserves an evaluation before something worse happens. I would encourage you to identify local experts before talking with your family. This way, you will have a number to call for an appointment immediately if they agree.