Re: statins don't reduce dementia risk

In article <cZednc2h9Ml9PkHfRVn-2w@xxxxxxxxxxx>, "Sharon Hope"
<shope@xxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Jason,
>
> The tests that they give in a neuropsychological workup (aka NP test, or
> NeuroPsych Test) are standardized tests.
>
> They also know the level of funcitonality necessary to carry on various
> jobs.
>
> Since very few people have a test run when nothing is wrong, just to compare
> if something goes wrong, they compare your NP Test scores with the level of
> functionality you would have been required to have to function in your
> former job.
>
> It is significant if your scores indicate that you could not function in
> that job now.
>
> CERTAINLY NOT A WASTE OF TIME.
>
> Futher, if it is the statins that caused the memory loss, you will want to
> know if you are getting better as time goes on. It is very difficult to
> assess for yourself, particularly when you are having problems remembering.
>
> Another NP Test in a year or so, especially if you can start some kind of
> cognitive rehabilitation therapy, would provide a second score to compare
> against. Then you would know exactly how much you had improved since the
> first test.
>
> Also, when you go to a specialist for a consultation there is not much time
> to communicate your concerns about memory loss, and right now it is a list
> of examples. Just as Zee has said, the doctor may lose interest quickly and
> just say, well everyone loses their keys from time to time. If you can say
> "My NP test scores put me in the bottom 10 percentile (or whatever, my
> husband was below the 1 percentile) for short-term memory - and before I
> took statins I was a performing in a professional job X and I am a college
> graduate." he will snap to attention. That is a number he can grasp, and it
> was provided by a professional, and it is a standardized score.
>
> I cannot encourage you strongly enough to get that measurement.
>
> Think of it as a first step to identifying and measuring the problem so it
> can be addressed correctly. Also think of it as the first measurement
> against which improved scores will be compared at a later date.
>
> Meanwhile, get your sequences written down FOR THE DOCTORS, but it is none
> of anyone on this ng's business what the details are and you are under no
> obligation whatsoever to reveal anything personal. Just ignore rude
> intrusive questions that demand personal or personal medical information.

Sharon,
That is great advice. If nothing else, if I took that test now and took a
similar test next year--it should show whether or not I am improving or
the problem is getting worse. That makes sense to me. Do I need to see a
specialist and if so--what sort of specialists in order to take such a
test? There is a state college in my town--can they arrange for me to take
such a test. I know at least one of the professors in the psychology
department.
Thanks for your advice,
Jason

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