My mother had mini-strokes last year and so the doctor told her to be careful and takes the medications properly so she would not have dementia. But how does one diagnoses this vascular dementia? Her brain scan only showed the mini-stroke details.
Is it right that the doctor can say she had no dementia yet? How does he know? My Mom didn't really do a memory test or pet scan for dementia.
Nina
Hi Nina,
I agree that it's possible that she has some memory damage from the mini-strokes. That's very common. If the scan didn't show typical signs of dementia, it could be that a different type of scan would read differently (CT scan or PET scan), but mini-strokes themselves may be enough for those who know the person to see a change that does not yet show up on a scan. It's good you are aware and she should follow the doctor's orders about her medications. If you don't feel secure with this doctor, you may want to start looking for a different physician. Trust is essential in these issues. It's a trying enough time without wondering about the physician's merits.
Carol
Some personality changes, like the temper thing, are typical after stroke or even mini-stroke. But yes, you'll likely have to wait. As usual, you've nailed it down, Nina.
Carol
Hi Nina, As an ER doctor once explained to me, those mini-strokes are called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). The difference between a TIA and a stroke, is that a TIA fully resolves within approximately 24 hours and leaves virtually no damaged portion of the brain in it's wake. Any scans that reveal brain damage from a stroke, are from real actual strokes. If the CT scan shows evidence of a stroke, this would be helpful in the diagnosis of vascular dementia. The damage caused by the stroke is further confirmed by the onset of vascular dementia. It should also be remembered that dementia in some individuals may be caused by more than one source issue. A person with vascular dementia could also have AD. That's probably not as unusual as it sounds. Best Wishes, -- Joe --
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