Three dialogues ...

1. Mini Mental Status Peter (PG) and the doctor(DX)discuss test results in his office

PG: Well eh – do you think she has any idea what the score means – or even what the test is all about?

DX: I think is fair to say that even our professional interpretations are subject to debate

PG: 18 outta 30. The scoring system seems rather arbitrary

DX: We test for five basic skills – orientation, short-term retention, attention, short-term recall, and language. For example – orientation tests the patient’s knowledge of where they are, what day it is, etc

PG: Heh someday I forget what day it is

DX: Hence the importance of not attributing too much to any given answer, but rather the total score, and how it evolves over time.

PG: (looking at a graph) Well the trend is pretty clear.

DX: There is only one trend with Alzheimer’s

PG: Well then – so what does this MMSE tell me?

DX: It helps make the disease real by demonstrating the nature of the cognitive impairment. We all appreciate a solid medical rationale.


"Think Carefully" - do you want blue or black or any other choice. Peter (PG) and Linda (LG) recall mom's solemn advice when considering two alternatives.

P: She just wants to create the illusion of choice

L: You need to get beyond the issue of free will

P: But why not come right out and say which one she likes better

L: Are you really that neutral

P: It is only a sweater

L: and a lifestyle choice, and an image

P: how often am I going to wear it?

L: Everyday – today

P: Well … blue will show the dirt


"You make me cold just looking at you" - Peter (PG) feels empathy with Mom's (MG) temperature sensitivity.

MG: You are wearing that nice toque I bought you.

PG: I make you cold just looking at me - and besides most heat loss occurs mainly through the head

MG: Well I haven’t been able to get warm all winter

PG: There is no such thing as bad weather – only bad clothing. Ask the Swedes.