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Does He Have Alzheimer's?

Patient Presents

History of Present Illness

Mr. X is a 53-year-old male who presents to you with memory loss and blackouts. His wife thinks he has Alzheimer's disease. She states that over the last year, Mr. X has become more and more forgetful. He used to take care of the family finances and run his own business out of his home until his memory loss forced him to turn the finances over to his wife and quit his business. Mrs. X also states that he forgets appointments and phone calls, sometimes just after he hangs up the phone.

His wife states that last week he blacked out while driving home from the grocery store, ran a stop sign and hit a parked car. No one was injured, but the episode scared them both.

Mrs. X states that over the last year, her husband has had problems walking. Although he was never very active prior to this, he has become more sedentary and prefers to sit in his recliner all day. Over the last 6 months, he has used a walker to get around the house.

He also reports urinary incontinence over the last 6 months. Mr. X describes it as "not being able to control it."

Past Medical History

Unremarkable except for the report of a prior head injury with no loss of consciousness occurring last year.

Objectives

What is the patient's chief complaint and why is it important?

List his major symptoms.