Memory tests Part 2

 The advanced memory assessment tests at the clinic yesterday took a long time, 2.5 hours, at the end of which we were both mentally and physically shattered.  Not that the tests were in any way physical (no star jumps or anything!), but the very act of sitting in a hard office type chair at a table for that length of time was difficult, it affected husband's arthritis in his neck and made my hips and back very sore.  We both had headaches and felt like our brains were overloaded, it was a lot to process and we both had to do a lot of talking.  Some of the tests were quite difficult, even for me as an observer and without any memory or cognitive problems, so obviously husband found them even harder.  And some - quite a few actually - of the relatively easy ones he couldn't do or got wrong, and that wasn't related to his dyslexia.  It was hard for me to watch him struggling, I'm so used to helping him out with things like giving him the right word when he's struggling to think of what he means, but I was told not to help him, the psychologist needed to see for herself how his mind was working.

She asked me questions about things he does and whether his behaviour has changed (it has), and I found it quite uncomfortable at times to answer honestly whilst I was sat in front of him.

We now have to wait for them to analyse all the results, including the finer details of the brain scan report, and have a case conference about it/him.  The psychologist said she will ring us in due course, and follow up with a detailed written report.  If husband is found to have a cognitive impairment, he will see her again for ways to cope with that - there's no meds that will treat it.  If, however, it is some form of dementia, he will be referred on to the specialist dementia team.  Oh, she did say it's possible he may have to go back for more tests.....I really hope not, yesterday did us both in.

One good thing, the psychologist said the same thing as the previous one he'd seen - she feels there is no immediate reason for him to stop driving, although, again, she stressed that may change in future.

A pleasant surprise when we got home - a letter for me from the probate people who have been dealing with the estate of my deceased distant relative (that I never knew existed, we subsequently found out he was a cousin of my mother's, although to my knowledge she never mentioned him), he died intestate.  Probate has been settled and all relatives have been traced and informed of their legacy.  There are apparently 25 living relatives, they were all listed in the documents, and two-thirds of them I've never heard of, I have no idea who they are.  The deceased relative wasn't a wealthy man and our legacy isn't a lot, we won't be buying a new car or caravan!  But it's a nice little amount to add to our moving fund.

We are having a quiet easy day today, although we have to go shopping at some point - this afternoon I expect whilst Betty is at the groomers.  Neither of us slept well last night, too much on our minds.