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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Arms Broken, Wrist Shattered. Going To Geriatric Psychiatrist, Taking Anxiety Medicine. Lethargic, No Appetite. Dementhia, Alzheimer Test Required?

My 87 year old father fell off a ladder approx. 1 1/2 year ago. He broke both arms and shattered his left wrist which now has a plate in it. He also hit his head. He was taken to the hospital and they did tests to make sure his head injuries were not life threatening. He is now 88 and is going to a geriatric psychiarist and takes anixiety medecine. They do not seem to be helping him. He is lathargic and sleeps most of the time. He has no apetite. I was reading about dementhia and I would like your professinal opinion on should we request this test be done. His caregiver is my Mom who is 87. My sister and I live about 4 miles from them and are there when needed but also give them the respect they deserve and not smother them. It just seems that all they want to do is give him pills and have not taken any test such as for dementhia, alzheimers or parkinsons. We don't know where to turn. The Dr.'s he goes to are not very understanding. Please respond.
Mon, 26 Aug 2013
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Neurologist 's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I agree that he requires a detailed clinical evaluation by a physician as well as a neurologist.

His condition could be secondary to dementia, or a metabolic derangement or side effects of psychiatry medications.

Work up would include a CT scan of brain, thyroid profile, and vitamin B12 level.

He would improve with medications.

Hope it helps.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
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Arms Broken, Wrist Shattered. Going To Geriatric Psychiatrist, Taking Anxiety Medicine. Lethargic, No Appetite. Dementhia, Alzheimer Test Required?

Hi, Thank you for posting your query. I agree that he requires a detailed clinical evaluation by a physician as well as a neurologist. His condition could be secondary to dementia, or a metabolic derangement or side effects of psychiatry medications. Work up would include a CT scan of brain, thyroid profile, and vitamin B12 level. He would improve with medications. Hope it helps. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) Senior Consultant Neurologist