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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are Memory Problems, Mood Swings, Impaired Thoughts And Confusion Suggestive Of?

My husband is 63. He had a stroke at age 39 (no cause found) which caused personality changes. Of course, it has been many years - but now there seems to bre a new, progressive problem. He is having short-term memory loss, mood changes, poor judgment, and is talking through clenched teeth. He sometimes just stares at me when I m talking to him as if he is trying to process what I am saying. I m wondering about Alzheimer s or other dementia.
posted on Thu, 26 May 2016
Twitter Wed, 13 Jul 2016 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 14 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is possible, since you are noting new personality and cognitive changes, that dementia may be the cause.

He would need to be assessed by his doctor. His family doctor can do the initial assessment which would involve physical examination, mini mental state examination (asks questions, applies a score to determine if dementia present) and blood tests.
Blood tests would be to rule out treatable causes eg abnormal electrolytes, infections etc

Imaging, to take a look at the brain , may also be needed as well to look for any structural changes.

I hope this helps
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What Are Memory Problems, Mood Swings, Impaired Thoughts And Confusion Suggestive Of?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is possible, since you are noting new personality and cognitive changes, that dementia may be the cause. He would need to be assessed by his doctor. His family doctor can do the initial assessment which would involve physical examination, mini mental state examination (asks questions, applies a score to determine if dementia present) and blood tests. Blood tests would be to rule out treatable causes eg abnormal electrolytes, infections etc Imaging, to take a look at the brain , may also be needed as well to look for any structural changes. I hope this helps