Conditions We Treat
Memory Loss
Overview
There are many reasons you might have trouble remembering things. Memory problems can come from stress, poor sleep, thyroid trouble, vitamin deficiencies, medication side effects, depression, head injury, or a neurological condition. Some of these causes are treatable, and some are even reversible.
Memory loss that begins to affect daily life can be an early sign of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells that affects how they communicate, and Alzheimer’s disease is its most common cause. It is not a normal part of aging.
Because the causes are so varied, the most important step is finding out what is actually going on. An accurate, early diagnosis gives you the best options, whether the cause is reversible or calls for ongoing care and support.
Symptoms
When memory loss is worth checking
Everyone forgets things now and then. Memory loss that disrupts daily life is worth evaluating. Warning signs include:
- Forgetting recently learned information or asking the same question repeatedly
- Getting lost in a familiar place
- Trouble finding the right words or following a conversation
- Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps
- Changes in mood, personality, or judgment
Causes
Not all memory loss is Alzheimer's
Memory problems have many causes, and some are treatable or reversible, including:
- Thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, or medication side effects
- Depression, stress, or poor sleep
- Head injury or infection
Memory loss can also be a sign of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Finding the actual cause is important, because treatable ones respond best when caught early.
Diagnosis
How memory loss is evaluated
There is no single test. A full evaluation looks for treatable causes and may include:
- A detailed history and a neurological and mental-status exam
- Neurocognitive testing to measure memory, attention, and thinking
- Blood work to check for thyroid, vitamin, and other causes
- Brain imaging such as MRI or CT
Treatment
How memory loss is treated
Treatment depends on the cause, which is why an accurate diagnosis comes first:
- Treating reversible causes, such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies
- Medications that can ease or delay the symptoms of Alzheimer's for a time
- Managing behavioral symptoms and supporting daily function
- Planning and family support that early diagnosis makes possible
Our Approach
How we help
The first step is finding out why memory is changing. Our providers take a careful history, perform a neurological exam, and use neurocognitive testing and other tools to sort out reversible causes from conditions like dementia. There is not yet a cure for Alzheimer's, but an accurate, early diagnosis opens the door to treatments that can help manage symptoms, to planning, and to support for you and your family.
On-Site Testing
Testing that may help with diagnosis
Good to Know
Memory Loss: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
Dementia is a general term for a decline in memory and thinking severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is caused by several different diseases. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, but not the only one.
Is all memory loss permanent?
No. Many causes of memory problems are treatable or even reversible, such as thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, medication side effects, depression, and infection. That is why an evaluation matters, so treatable causes are not missed.
What is mild cognitive impairment (MCI)?
MCI is a stage between the normal forgetfulness of aging and dementia. A person with MCI has more memory trouble than expected for their age but can still manage daily activities. People with MCI have a higher chance of developing Alzheimer's, so monitoring is helpful.
How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed?
There is no single test. Diagnosis is based on a complete health history, a physical and neurological exam, cognitive testing, blood work, and imaging such as CT or MRI. Together these help identify the likely cause of memory loss.
Can Alzheimer's disease be treated?
There is no cure yet, but treatment can help. Medications such as donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine may ease or delay symptoms for a time, and behavioral symptoms can often be managed. Early diagnosis also allows for planning and support.
When should we see a neurologist about memory?
See a neurologist when memory loss begins to interfere with daily life, such as repeated questions, getting lost, missing appointments, or noticeable changes in personality or judgment. Earlier evaluation gives the best chance to find and treat the cause.
We're here to help