Q: My daughter had a severe anxiety attack due to cold meds 3 years ago. We were told after hospitalization that she eould be fine, but found a mild underlying depression. Here we are, 3 1/2 years later. Last July, we were told she, at 35, has Lewy Body Dementia, only to have the diagnosis reversed a month later. Finally found another Dr. for another opinion. She was seen in Jan. In April, his nurse called…”I am call with a message from Dr…. Mia has Frontaltemporal dementia. You know that’s not good, right.” The doctor never spoke to my daughter. I have no idea how he arrived at the diagnosis. In March 2012, my daughter was seen by the chair of psychiatry here. He said that she had depressive disorder due to depression not being treated. I’m sure that my message is all over the place, as so much has occured. I guess, after all is said and done, my question: why is it so difficult to get help? No one wants to take madicaid. Mia did not have insurance when she took ill. Also, if Mia does in fact have FTD, we need to let people know that this happens to young people. Mia never took a drug, including antibiotics. Thank you for listening, Dr. Neuman. Please say a prayer for our Mia.
– Margaret Chiaravelotti
A: I’m not a neurologist, so I do not know what it means to diagnose Lewy body dementia at her age. All I know is that the neurologists seem sure. I know that by now you have determined the dimensions of this disorder. There is no reason why she could not develop depression also. The depression, at least, is treatable. I sympathize with your difficulty getting medical help. And I hope your daughter does well. I do not think her reaction to the cold medicines has any relevance to her condition now.
– Dr. Neuman