Chapter 10 - The memory exam
Because Carla and Louis had already raised my cognition, I decided not to argue from pride.
I scheduled an appointment.
Primary-care physician first.
Then a neuropsychological screening after Dan suggested it might protect me if the issue escalated.
I hated every minute.
Dr. Susan Lambert asked:
Date.
Location.
Words to remember.
Clock drawing.
Numbers backward.
Then more detailed testing later.
I performed within normal limits for my age.
Mild inefficiencies in delayed recall.
Normal.
No evidence of dementia.
No major cognitive impairment.
Dr. Lambert asked:
“Why are you here?”
I told her.
She said:
“Families sometimes notice changes before patients do.”
I felt defensive.
Then she added:
“Families also sometimes confuse disagreement with incapacity.”
Exactly.
She wrote a careful note.
Not:
Ernest is perfect.
Not:
Ernest can never decline.
Current capacity intact.
Understands finances.
Can describe consequences.
No reason to remove independent decision-making.
I gave Dan a copy.
Then one to Louis.
He looked ashamed.
“I never said you had dementia.”
“You let Carla put memory concerns on a senior-placement form.”
“I told her you forgot things.”
“So do you.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
May you like
That conversation was quieter than the others.
More useful.
