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We believe my MIL has a form of dementia but there hasn't been an official diagnosis. Should she be seen by a doctor that specializes in elderly care?

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She should see her own doctor and a request by family member (who should attend with her) should be made for referral to neuro-psyc MD for testing.

Meanwhile there are many tests for Alzheimer's and Dementia that you can pull off the internet for "fun games to practice" which are going to give you some idea where you are at.

Make an appt with her PCP for a checkup and discussion of mental changes you will make a list of, for discussion.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Your Mom's primary doctor can be asked to perform a cognitive and memory test. From there, you can get a referral to a neurologist, OT or other doctor. Her primary doc had an extensive appointment, giving her the basic cognitive tests and asking her questions. From there she wrote up a letter saying she had sufficient incapacity and that her PoA (me) should be making all her decisions for her. My Mom never went to a neurologist or gerontologist. Her primary even prescribed an anti-depressant when she was showing symptoms.

My Mom's primary doc, when she was concerned that my 95-yr old Mom was still driving, referred her to Occupational Therapy where they gave her a MOCA test (30 questions assessing executive brain functionality). She failed and that was put into her medical records.

My point being that if there's a long wait for a neurologist, and all you need is a first-level diagnosis then you can start with her primary doc.
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Reply to Geaton777
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My mother was diagnosed by a gerontologist . You may get an appt quicker than a neurologist .
The gerontologist may or may not refer you to follow up with neurologist .
My mother was not , the gerontologist handled her meds .

My father in law refused follow up with a neurologist after a mini cog test done at assisted living . He insisted his ‘ brain is as good as ever ! “

Neither my mother or father in law’s primary doctors were willing to diagnose dementia on their chart , or anything on paper ( or invoke our POA). One referred to gerontologist because the wait list was shorter . The other referred to neurologist .
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Reply to waytomisery
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While they can do testing and order specific tests the doctor may still refer you to a Neurologist or a Neuropsychologist for a diagnosis.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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