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What Causes Sudden Dementia Episodes?
Question: Almost a decade ago my husband had an "episode" at work finding himself sitting at his workbench with a screwdriver in his hand and reporting to me he was blank and had NO clue what to do with the computer in front of him. ( He was a high IQ guy...working in computer hardware and software.) The company he was with was down-sizing and the pressure of the work load was increasing as the staff was reduced. We got him to a Dr and there was no stroke or TIA. He rested a day and resumed work. He was never the same. About 4 years later he had a neuro-psycological evaluation and the outcome was Alzheimers. Now two and a half years later he had an MRI that says...."Moderate volume loss for age mild periventricular and subcortical white matter changes which are nonspecific and are likely the sequela of microvascular ischemic change." We have been in same home 28 years and he now struggles to find pantry onr closet, etc. What do you think?
Brief Answer:
Description is suggestive of dementia probably AD.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your husband's history, neuro-psychological testing findings and MRI brain findings.
I agree that he has features of dementia and the most likely cause of his dementia is Alzheimer's disease (AD).
MRI findings of volume loss (shrinkage of brain) are common in people with AD. Similarly, white matter changes are also common in AD, especially if there is coexisting high BP or sugars. MRI findings are non-specific and are not needed for the diagnosis of AD, and also they do not correlate with the severity of symptoms.
Treatment is along correct lines and should be continued.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Is it up for consideration that Tim's "episode" of total loss in how to repair the computer had anything to do with some sort of mental collapse, or are you saying that given where he is now that this was just a part of the development of AD? He has repaired everything in sight since 10 years old without training and had a BS from The University of XXXXXXX ..and worked toward a Masters.
Brief Answer:
The episode was probably part of development of AD
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.
It is more likely that Tim's "episode" was most probably a part of the development of AD.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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