How should I tell medical professionals that Mom can no longer answer their questions?
How do you handle telling the doctor/nurse that your mother (dementia patient) doesn't know what she's talking about when they are asking questions such as "what does your blood sugar usually run"? Up to this point I have told them that I can have the assisted living center nurse fax some recent numbers if needed. I'm not sure they understand. I have slipped notes to nurses a few times in the past.
Expert Answer
This is an interesting dilemma. Informing the doctors and nurses of the dementia is definitely necessary. Any medical professional should be obtaining and completing a very thorough history and physical with her. You can ask to sit in on this, as long as it is OK with your mother. If they have done this already, request another one as conditions may have changed.
If you have expressed this condition (and give examples to support it) and they still don't get it, ask them to evaluate her for her memory. You can let them draw their conclusion from that (hopefully the correct one).
For the very specific information such as blood sugars, bring the documentation with you. Documentation goes a long way and saves some of the frustration with the questions and lack of answers. It clearly defines the problem (we all tend to forget specifics). You can even give this to your mom and have her hand the information to them. Any supporting documents, records, etc to support your mother's health should be brought with you and/or her regardless of her capacity to remember.
Each professional should still be treating your mother appropriately. You definitely don't want them to dismiss or ignore her and focus solely on you.
If you still aren't satisfied and continue to be frustrated, then seek out a new physician. Don't feel bad about making a change. Even if the current physician is a long-time doctor for your mother, still change. This is a very important issue and your mother needs to get appropriate attention and treatment. You may consider a board certified Geriatrician who is experienced with handling dementia and multiple medical problems.
Your mother is entitled to proper and good care.