Bravo! Being proactive NOW will save you from having to step in later (possibly) and make sense of a situation. Not only that, if your Mom is having memory problems, she might not hear or decipher the message coming from the doctor, and may get things mixed up. This is very common because doctors rush people, and let's face it, our parents are at the age where they can't digest it all in the 3-minute visit allocated for each patient. Especially something that might be life-altering.

Also, please remember that even though your Mom is having memory problems, and even though she passed out, the diagnosis could be something as simple as low B12, low iron, thyroid, or some other option. I think people have the tendency to think Alz the minute they sense something is wrong. Only a qualified doctor like a neruo or specialist can tell you for sure. General practioners just are not qualified!

I applaud you for caring so much to do this for them, and I agree that you have half the battle won since they are willing for you to accompany them. Two heads, or three ARE better than one. The emotional detachment that you will be able to give, will be invaluable to them. Can you tell I am passionate about this subject?

Also, just so you don't misunderstand me. I am NOT saying you are not emotional about this, I'm just saying that when you are sitting there listening to a doctor explain things, it's easier for you, or someone else, to grasp the situation simply because it ISN'T YOU.

I'll make one other suggestion. Go to the dollar store and buy a $1.00 journal. Start keeping records of things that happen (like the fainting) and date them. You may never need the records, but if you do, you will be so glad you did. It will hep the doc's in assigning meds and measuring levels or phases of dementia IF it turns out this is part of the problem. Keep us posted, won't you? And good luck with Mom. Bless her!

JJ