May 9, 2021

John's neurologist suggested we see a psychiatrist to evaluate John's medications. We had the first appointment last week with the psychiatrist (who looks a little bit like Taylor Swift!). It was a virtual appointment which is so convenient! She asked initial questions, and I explained the purpose of the appointment and summarized John's health issues. I said he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease at 59 1/2, and John immediately chimed in and said he doesn't have Alzheimer's and that there's no evidence that he does. He explained that "this happens over here, and that happens over there, but my mind is better than ever". He continued to refute the diagnosis for a while as I shook my head a little bit next to him. The Dr asked John some questions: What year is this? What month is this? Who is president? and a few more like that. He wasn't able to answer any of them except that he knew we live in Brea. But he explained to the Dr that he hasn't looked at those things for a while and that's why he doesn't know. He actually sounds a little convincing on a cursory level, but he's not able to hide his confusion for long. I discussed my concern about the frustrations he exhibits in the morning, and explained that is the most difficult time for us. I believe he's frustrated because he knows he should be able to handle the routine himself, and he's frustrated that he can't. The Dr asked what John does if I don't intercede, and I said if, for example, he's in the shower, he'll just stand there for a 1/2 hour until I take over. John takes 2 different depression medications, and ultimately the Dr suggested that we increase one of them, and then after 6 weeks or so, decrease the other. She recommends that the one medication be increased because that may help him deal with his frustrations. So we started that right away, and we'll evaluate it at our next appointment in 6 weeks. I initially assumed the appointment was going to be a total waste of time, but in the end I think it might be helpful. We'll see.