MEMORY LOSS: A challenge for patients and their families.

Diseases causing memory loss are numerous, and often difficult to diagnose. Precise statistics are elusive, but it is safe to say that millions of Americans are affected by this problem. As with many other "painless" diseases, memory loss disorders are greatly under diagnosed. Many sufferers simply attribute their forgetfulness to "old age" and don't bother to seek medical attention. In some case, symptoms may develop so gradually that patients do not even realize that their memory is failing. Often, a patient's loved ones may be first to detect the problem.

Memory loss can be a primary symptom or it may be just one part of some other neurological disease process. Furthermore, there are different types of memory loss. For instance, some diseases selectively damage short-term memory, such as the ability to recall a person's name moments after hearing it. Other disorders may impair both short-term and remote memory. Strokes and other diseases may impair very specific memory-related functions, like recognizing faces.

All of these facts can lead to one conclusion: Memory loss disorders are a challenge for patients. families, and doctors alike. But that does not mean that memory loss is hopeless. There can only be one first step in recognizing that a problem exists. That means finding medical personnel who are skilled in diagnosing these perplexing disorders.

At the Memory Disorders Center, our highly trained neurologists, neuropsychologist, and support staff have broad exposure to the whole spectrum of memory-related disease. They recognize that memory loss, and its effects on daily life, varies greatly from one person to the next. They understand that these conditions cause concerns not just for the patient, but their loved ones as well. At the Memory Disorders Center, we believe that successful treatment of any memory problem requires attention to all of these details.

Isn't it normal to lose your memory when you get older?

Some mild changes in memory are considered a normal part of aging. However, there is a limit as to how much memory loss is considered "normal". Clearly, when memory loss begins to interfere with day-to-day activities, a medical evaluation should be considered.

What sorts of disease can lead to memory loss?

A large variety if diseases may include memory loss as a symptom:

This is just a partial list. Some researchers have tallied up to 50 different diseases that produce memory loss symptoms similar to Alzheimer's

What is dementia?

Dementia is a general term, not a specific disease; it means overall disruption of a person's intellectual or mental capabilities. A variety of neurological diseases may feature dementia, some of which may include memory loss as a prominent symptom. Other symptoms of dementia may include personality changes, inability to name common objects, or impaired abstract thinking. Common causes of dementia are repeated strokes and Alzheimer's disease.

When is it Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's disease is certainly one of the most common of the memory disorders, affecting approximately four to five million Americans. It is the most common of the of dementia, and is usually diagnosed at age 70 or older. Scientists understand that the disease happens because of degeneration of certain nerve cells in the brain; however, no one knows what sets the process in motion. While some people may have a genetic predisposition for the disease, in most cases there is not a strong family inheritance pattern.

Patients and their families often fear the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, since the condition is progressive, and no effective treatments currently exist. However, the disease can vary greatly in severity from patient to patient. In some patients, memory loss may be the predominant manifestation, while in others, behavioral changes may be the most noticeable signs. Patients with Alzheimer's may have difficulty remembering words and thus have increasing trouble with communication. If mental function becomes severely impaired, some Alzheimer's sufferers may be unable to care for themselves on a daily basis.

For the patients with a possible memory loss disorder, it is important to remember that not all memory loss problem are Alzheimer's disease related. A thorough medical evaluation may disclose other treatable problems that may contribute to memory loss. Moreover, continuing research holds promise for new treatments for memory disorders. Recent studies have identified medications that may actually improve memory functions in some patients. The staff at the Memory Disorders Center can stay abreast of all the latest developments, and help patients decide which treatments are best for them.

Emotional and spiritual support are often helpful for patients and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other memory loss disorders. The Memory Disorders Center can direct you to local, regional, or national support groups for these problems.

Help and hope within reach.

The Memory Disorders Center wants patients and their families to understand that they are not alone. Our staff is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care available for memory loss problems. Together, we can male each moment of life a little bit better.

For information about Memory Disorders Center, call 717-544-3170