Community Chat

[spent2much]

It never ceases to amaze me about the things I forget.  But, then again, I'm amazed at the things I remember... especially when others don't.  I had that "memory test" at a doctor's office years ago.  I was a nervous wreck!  I concentrated and got all the right answers.  If a doctor's office tries to pull that on me again, I will refuse!  

[On It]

These questions are unsettling. My last visit had the following:  About what time is it? What is today's date? Then I was asked to count backwards from 100 by 7. (I'll bet there are many 20 year olds who cannot do that.) Starting with December, name the months backwards. I was given three words to remember before the counting and the months. About 4 years ago, the nurse gave me a man's name, his street address, and his city and state. I was asked to repeat that at the end of the other questions. I have not been asked to do that recently. I guess that one was a bit too much for a lot of people.

As far as our performance on these things, I don't think a blip or two is a problem. I wouldn't worry about a mistake or two. Someone with diminished capacity is going to stumble on many items and probably frustrate out of the test entirely. They may be charting gradual declines year-to-year, but next time you may improve and get 100%.

[cindyNC]

I have flunked them twice in my life.  I think they are a good diagnostic tool if you have a good doctor. 

The first time it turned out to be a vitamin B deficiency. The doctor first assumed it was  menopause related, gave me hormones, and then I ended up with 2 estrogen related lumps in my breasts. 

The second time, I knew I was making very obvious misktakes driving  and recalling words, etc. and flunked the draw a clock test in my primary's office.  I went to a neurologist where I passed all the tests, had a normal brain CT scan, and the concensus was it was lack of sleep related to stress.  When I was younger, getting by on 3 hours of sleep a night was very doable, but not in my 60s. 

[on the bay]

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@Janey2 wrote:

Were you nervous because you were at the doctor's? When I go I don't even know my name. As long as you are in contact with people and do not have any trouble communicating forget about it. 

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@Janey2,

That's so funny I always say if you remember your name, you're doing ok, and there might be days... that you don't know that.

When I fly, I forget what state I'm in.

@zitawins,

I'm sure I wouldn't have passed years ago just because my 98 year old mother did better than me remembering those string of words.

I think I just have too many more important things running around in my head and it seems like you do too!

I say bah humbug to those tests!

My sister has to name 20 names before she gets her kids right name and she's been like that forever.

[Sooner]

The Doctor:  Mr X, who is your president?

My Dad (some years back):  Harry S. Truman

Looks of concern in the room.

The Doctor:  Mr. X, have you ever heard of Ronald Regan?

My dad:  Yes

The Doctor:  Well who is he?

Dad:  The President

Doc:  But that's not what you said a minute ago.

Mr. X:  You didn't ask me that a minute ago.  You asked me who was MY president. 

Test passed.

[Scooby Doo]

I've had that cognitive test twice and passed both times.  I decided that if they want to do it again I'll refuse.  Time better spent on real issues.

[Gorgf]

@Scooby Doo  Gosh , I  have it every year so far, three times now. The Pre-Doctor meeting with the RN. I thought it was Medicare requirement for the annual physical? Just seems stupid, especially the clock and I'd wonder if I spaced out those numbers correctly?

The nurse I had  two times retired and the new one was young and could not relate to me as a Senior. She didn't get it that many older women get up often to urinate.  I do drink alot of water during the day. Told me two hydrochlorathiazide a day was too many as a water pill for high blood pressure.  She is not my Dr. She went on about weight. No clue to aging. I felt like telling her to give her Sermon  to half the staff I noticed that are overweight.  I take very little medication and walk daily several miles.

[BoopOMatic]

Unless a person complains of an impairment, why are they even doing them? I see it's for people on Medicaid. Unless there has been a problem it seems like a bunch of wasted time to me.

[chlema]

My first test was last year.  Had to remember 3 words and after 10 minutes repeat them.  Apple, table, penny.  Then draw the clock, put in the numbers, draw the hands at 2:45.  Then I had to walk the length of the exam room, about 6' as fast as I could.  This year when she was about to give me 3 words I said apple, table, penny but oh no, remembering them after a year not good enough.   Gave me new ones, baby, kitchen, village.  The circle was already printed, just had to do the rest.  Repeat the "fast" walk.  So maybe next year I'll throw the 6 words at her and say I'm done. 

[cotton4me]

I haven’t had this as part of a wellness exam.  However, those are the types of questions they asked when I applied to move into the independent section of a continuing care community.