Diagnosis: the first step to living well with a cognitive impairment
Persistence helped Larry Mills find the cause of his symptoms and access education and support.
Larry Mills, a claims investigator from the Sacramento area, started having trouble tracking details from his many work cases: upcoming trial dates, invoices and reports from experts. He tried using sticky notes to help him remember the details of his 200+ cases. This was not normal for Larry. He had started his career as an Army counterintelligence officer and then worked 30 years as a claims investigator.
He was familiar with cognitive problems since his mother, Gladys, had younger-onset dementia. But the first neurologist told him that his problems were due to normal aging. It took three different doctors and joining a research study for Larry to get an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis is important
Getting an accurate diagnosis is a key step to living well with a cognitive impairment. It gives individuals and care partners the chance to attend education programs, make important decisions and explore research studies.
Most don’t know they have Alzheimer’s
In a U.S. survey of adults aged 60 and over, 95 percent say that if they had confusion and memory loss, they would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s disease. Over 97 percent say that if a family member had memory loss, they would want their family member to see a doctor.
But, most people living with Alzheimer’s do not know they have the disease. Research shows that up to half of people with dementia have never been diagnosed. Even among those who have been formally diagnosed, only 45 percent of those with Alzheimer’s or their caregivers are aware of the diagnosis.
Sometimes it requires seeing multiple doctors
When he first noticed important changes in his memory, Larry talked with his doctor. Even though Larry did well on an initial cognitive test, the doctor referred Larry to a neurologist. After an assessment, the neurologist said Larry’s symptoms were due to normal aging. Larry was skeptical of the diagnosis and sought a second opinion.
Research study participation leads to an accurate diagnosis
Amyloid PET Example
When the second neurologist examined Larry, he helped him join the Imaging Dementia – Evidence for Amyloid Scanning (IDEAS) Study. The goal of the trial is to see if using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging as a diagnostic tool leads to changes in disease management. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is paying for scans for those in the study.
After finishing the tests, the second neurologist diagnosed Larry with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). When the neurologist asked Larry how he felt about the diagnosis and the positive PET scan result, Larry responded that he was “a little relieved” to finally know what was causing the changes.
Mild cognitive impairment causes a slight but noticeable and measurable decline in cognitive abilities. A person with MCI has a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s or another dementia. However, MCI does not always lead to dementia.
Find education and support
Larry and his wife, Ellen
After the diagnosis, a friend told Larry’s wife, Ellen, about an education program. Larry and Ellen attended Living with Alzheimer’s, a three-part series offered by the Alzheimer’s Association. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s or another cognitive impairment and care partners participate in separate sessions.
The topics focused on issues common to those in the early stage. The groups learned about developing a care team, legal and financial planning, communicating effectively, and maximizing Independence. Larry said that the sessions were “good for both of us.”
Next Larry and Ellen joined the Early Stage Support Group. Sometimes people feel isolated after their diagnosis. Larry participates in a weekly facilitated discussion with others living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment who are in the early stage. Participants talk about dealing with challenges and continuing to live a meaningful life. Ellen attends a separate group for care partners that meets at the same time.
The education and support programs are helpful for those with Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
Make important decisions
It’s important for everyone to plan for the future, but legal plans are especially important if you have a cognitive impairment. Legal, financial and health care documents can make things easier in case you can’t make your own decisions due to health issues.
Larry and Ellen had their documents in place already. They discussed changes they may have to make, if Larry’s symptoms progress. They have decided to sell their home and move into a continuing care retirement community.
Consider joining research studies
Before the military, Larry wanted a career in veterinary medicine. He is “a frustrated non-doctor” who once volunteered as an EMT and taught advanced first aid for the American Red Cross and CPR for the American Heart Association. Larry has turned his interest in science to focus on dementia research.
After being in the IDEAS study, researchers invited Larry to join a follow up study. Larry provided a DNA sample for the Amyloid Neuroimaging and Genetics Initiative (ANGI). Researchers will use Larry’s data from both studies. They will try to identify genetic factors that contribute to cognitive impairment, dementia, and other neurological disorders.
Larry also signed up for TrialMatch. This helps him learn about research studies seeking subjects. He has been accepted into a study at the Sutter Neuroscience Institute. Larry participates in the Brain Health Registry, which the Alzheimer’s Association helps to support.
Stay active
Larry worked until he was 70. He said that he would have worked longer, if not for his cognitive symptoms. Since retiring, Larry has found several ways to live well and enjoy life.
Multiple studies have shown benefits of physical activity for individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s. Research suggests that mild-to-moderate physical activity may:
· Help delay or slow a decline in thinking skills.
· reduce stress
· help improve symptoms of depression.
· reduce risk of falls.
Larry continues to be physically active. He is part of a club that bicycles 25-30 miles per day. He also swims regularly and enjoys a good game of table tennis.
Larry studies Zen Buddhism and finds that the teachings related to mindfulness (living in the present, without judgment) are very helpful. He also practices meditation.
Larry’s journey to getting a diagnosis had some bumps. Since the diagnosis, Larry and Ellen have followed a path of education, support, getting involved and staying active. Caring for his physical and emotional health helps Larry live well.
Learn More
Getting a diagnosis
UCSF researcher shares promising initial results from IDEAS Study
Learn more about participating in research through TrialMatch
Programs for those living with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments
Online resources for those living with Alzheimer’s
Great information. My husband was diagnosed via tge PET SCAN study. This highly educated man and our family are living with MCI and life with the ‘new normal’ of MCI changes.
My husband was able to work until he was 72 in his third career.
This has been a great boon to him as well as our family.
Early diagnoses can be reassuring. It has led to peer support, social worker access through our Medical University, and medication.
The affiliation with the Alzheimer’s Association’s information and services has been very beneficial to our family as well.
Thanks for the comments, Susan. I’m glad that your husband was able to get a diagnosis and that you have been able to find support services.
I am so proud of you and Larry. Not everyone has the strength to do what you have done and continue to pursue your future with positive attitudes.
Michelle Johnston, thanks for the article post.Really thank you! Great.
Thanks, I’m glad that you enjoyed it.