Anno,
I agree with JJ, a journal of your parent's medical issues would be a great help in putting together symptoms for an accurate diagnosis.

I think it's almost always wise for someone to go along on doctor visits. Missing instructions from a doctor is not limited to the elderly. It happens to us all. Especially if we are emotional about the visit to begin with. Highly charged emotions affect memory. The issues of health are more emotional as we age and become more physically fragile.

Also, adverse reactions to medications increase with age. Side effects that might previously have presented no problem can become overwhelming and medication interactions are also more common. I google everything and I'm constantly surprised to discover that the side effects are often worse than the condidtion being treated. If more than one physician is prescribing, the possibility of over dosing and drug interaction is increased.

Almost all elders take medication for high blood pressure and the side effects such as dizziness and depression can be hazardous. Blood pressure normally increases with age and the pharmaceutical industry has succeeded in decreasing the accepted 'normal' so almost anyone over sixty is on medication. Recent research has shown that lowering blood pressure does not decrease the likelihood of heart attack and stroke so the drugs may not be worth the risks.

I guess we must constantly monitor our parent's health as they (and we) age. Sounds like you are on the right track.

smile