My grandmother is 75 years old and in excellent health for her age. She has no major medical problems and has never been on prescription medication. She lives alone, as my grandfather passed away 10 years ago.

There is just one problem... lately my family has been noticing that she is extremely forgetful and constantly losing things. There is a strong family history of Alzheimers, and the last time she went to the doctor (several years ago) he told her that if she started having such symptoms, to let him know and she can be put on medication so slow the progression.

We've all casually suggested that she should go to the doctor for regular checkups and blood work, but she flat out refuses. Also she's only ever had one mammogram and pap smear in her whole life. That worries us as well since cancers are so prevalent these days.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any suggestions of what to try (or not to try) to get her to go to the doctor would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Your grandmother is just a teensy bit older than my mom. Mom has always been a very independent and strong woman.

Assuming that at least several members of the family are in close proximity, I would recommend that two of her own children (your mom or dad and a sibling) take her to lunch, and over this luncheon, express the concerns of the family - she probably doesn't even realize that she's becoming forgetful, and if she's been in great health in her life she's also probably assuming that she's immune to the dreaded genetic problems that can happen to anyone.

An intervention of sorts - if her own children sit down and discuss things seriously, maybe she'll respond, realizing how concerned everyone is for her health - and knowing that the reason for it is because you all want her around for a long, long time.


I almost get teary thinking of it - my mom is almost 74, and we're all in the same town; she, I and my sister. My mom, however, has had chronic and debilitating arthritis for over 40 years now, so because of that she tends to keep a pretty regular schedule of doctor appointments, has to get blood work done every 6 weeks, etc. I'm sure that with as ornery (and Finnish) as she is, if she'd been the picture of health up until now but was causing worry with either me or my sister, we would be employing the tactic that I suggested.

I wish you luck!