brain disorders symptoms - #13733
I am really worried about my mom. Lately, she has been acting kinda strange. She forgets things easily like when she asked me what day it was, even though I told her just a few minutes ago. The other day, she struggled to find the right words to say during dinner, and it was really odd. The brain disorders symptoms seem to be creeping in, ya know? It’s like some days she seems totally normal and other days she’s really confused or even anxious. I read online about brain disorders symptoms and they mention confusion and memory issues, so I'm starting to freak out a bit. She also sometimes has trouble keeping her balance and looks a bit dazed, which is def not like her. I talked to her doctor about these brain disorders symptoms, but they brushed it off as just age or stress. I can't shake the feeling that there's something more serious going on. Aren’t brain disorders symptoms typically more serious? Should I be pushing for more tests or specialists? Anyone else seen these kinds of brain disorders symptoms in loved ones? What did you do?
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Doctors’ responses
The symptoms you’re describing—such as memory lapses, difficulty finding words, confusion, anxiety, balance problems, and a dazed appearance—could indeed be associated with several brain-related conditions. While aging can naturally lead to some cognitive changes, the sudden or significant changes you mention may warrant further investigation. It’s very important to consider both the person’s history and any accompanying symptoms, as brain-related issues could range from manageable conditions like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders, to more serious concerns such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, cerebrovascular diseases, or even brain tumors. Since the advice from your mom’s doctor seems unsatisfactory to you and given the nature of the symptoms, it might be wise to push for a more thorough evaluation with a specialist, like a neurologist or gerontologist, who can dig deeper into these concerns. Keeping a symptom diary, recording when these incidents happen, what precedes them, and any particular triggers might also help the specialist pinpoint what’s going on. Make sure to mention any other health issues she has and any medications she takes, as these can sometimes influence cognitive functions. A comprehensive evaluation may include a mix of cognitive tests, blood work, imaging studies, or neuropsychological assessments. If you think her balance issues are increasing the risk of falls or if you notice any sudden severe symptoms (like extreme confusion, loss of consciousness, or a significant change in behavior), you should seek immediate medical attention, as these might be more acute problems requiring urgent care. Your instinct to follow up given the persistent symptoms is on point; better to be cautious and ensure that nothing significant is overlooked.
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