Weight Loss & Hyperthyroidism in Seniors: What to Expect

Question
Hello Dr. Aukerman,

I recently wrote to you concerning my mother who is 81 and has lost 20 lbs in the last 5 months.
The blood tests came back which the doctor requested and my mother has an over-active thyroid.  I am going to take her tomorrow for
a blood test which will show how over-active her
throid is before the doctor can put her on medication.  I am very concerned that too much time may have passed since she has had the over-active thyroid.  She sleeps almost all of the time now and has very little energy. Her memory has been suffering greatly. She cannot do her finances anymore, or even take care of herself or the apartment... that is not like my mother who is an exptremely clean person. She tried to call me the other day using the remote control to the television, instead of the telephone. Some days, she cannot remember how many children she has or if she has any grandchildren. Her memory
is getting really bad and we are very concerned about her.  I just read on the internet that when a person has an over-active thyroid for a long period of time, it can be harmful and even fatal.
When I take her for another blood test, it will be
over a week to get it back and I don't know what we should do. The doctor does not know Mother is this bad.

Answer
Ask the doctor if they can order the test stat so they get the results as an emergency and then the doctor can treat her sooner or ask to see a thyroid specialist as an emergency or even take her to an emergency room because this can be an emergency in the elderly with her picture.