I've been lurking in this group over the last several weeks, along with
researching information to try and get a handle on what may be going on with
my Dad.  Over the last three months or so, his short-term memory has gotten
gradually worse.  Initially, he had some forgetfulness, plus some strange
physical problems.  For example, while playing cards, he had trouble pulling
certain cards from his hand, but no problem with others.  He also had
problems with pushing certain numbers on the phone, but not others.  We took
him to the emergency room, worried about a possible stroke, but the CAT scan
and other tests showed no stroke.  He had been on Zoloft, because his doctor
thought there was some depression, and thinking this may be the cause of his
memory loss, was weaned off, but no improvement.  He has seen a neurologist,
who prescribed Lexapro, since he felt depression could be causing the memory
loss.  When this didn't help, the neurologist suggested he see a
psychiatrist - his thought was that, if depression played a role, it could
be treated.  The psychiatrist recommended upping the dosage of Lexapro from
10 to 20mg, but did not rule out dementia. Dad's short-term memory just
seems to be getting worse.  Once in a while he seems to have a good day
(like yesterday), but then a bad day follows.  He can be talking to someone
on the phone, and within minutes, not remember this call ever took place.
He often asks the same questions over & over - a lot of repeating. He
usually knows the day of the week, but continually asks to make sure.I fear
this may be Alzheimer's or some form of dementia, but it also seems to be
happening much quicker than I thought dementia would occur. Does any of this
sound familiar, and does anyone have any thoughts?  Thanks.

Bob