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30 results for “memory testing”

• Understanding DementiaOther causes of memory problemsSeveral medical, psychiatric, and neurologic conditions can produce memory symptoms that are not degenerative dementia.
• Testing & DiagnosisWhen should memory problems be evaluated?Evaluate when memory changes are noticed by others, are progressing, or are affecting daily tasks.
• Testing & DiagnosisWhat happens during a memory evaluationA memory evaluation combines history, cognitive testing, examination, laboratory work, and often imaging.
• Testing & DiagnosisCognitive testingCognitive testing measures specific abilities so change can be tracked objectively over time.
• Testing & DiagnosisWhat to bring to a memory evaluationA checklist to print or save before the appointment.
• Testing & DiagnosisNeuropsychological testingA detailed multi-hour assessment that maps cognitive strengths and weaknesses in fine detail.
• Testing & DiagnosisBlood testingRoutine blood work looks for medical conditions that can cause or worsen cognitive symptoms.
• Testing & DiagnosisGenetic testing and APOEAPOE is a risk factor, not a diagnosis. Rare inherited forms of dementia are a separate question.
• Testing & DiagnosisPreparing for a memory appointmentPreparation determines how much the clinician can accomplish in a single visit.
• Living SafelyWhen memory care may be appropriateMemory care provides a secured environment with dementia-trained staff and structured programming.
• Understanding DementiaWhat is dementia?Dementia is not one disease. It is a term for a decline in memory, thinking, language, or judgment that is severe enough to interfere with everyday life.
• Understanding DementiaNormal aging vs dementiaSome memory change is expected with age. Dementia is different: it interferes with tasks a person used to handle without help.
• Understanding DementiaMild cognitive impairment (MCI)MCI is a stage between normal aging and dementia: testing shows a change, but the person still manages daily life independently.
• Understanding DementiaAlzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. It usually begins with short-term memory difficulty and progresses gradually.
• Understanding DementiaVascular dementiaVascular dementia results from strokes or small vessel disease. Slowed thinking and difficulty with planning often stand out more than memory loss.
• Understanding DementiaFrontotemporal dementiaFrontotemporal dementia usually begins between ages 45 and 65 with changes in behavior, judgment, or language rather than memory.
• Understanding DementiaParkinson's disease dementiaParkinson's disease dementia develops in some people years after Parkinson's movement symptoms begin.
• Testing & DiagnosisBlood biomarkers including p-tauBlood-based biomarkers can indicate Alzheimer's pathology with a simple blood draw.
• Understanding DementiaLewy body dementiaLewy body dementia combines cognitive change with visual hallucinations, fluctuating alertness, movement changes, and sleep disturbance.
• Understanding DementiaMixed dementiaMany older adults have more than one cause of dementia at the same time, most commonly Alzheimer's disease plus vascular changes.
• Understanding DementiaLATE (limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy)LATE is an age-related condition that causes memory loss resembling Alzheimer's disease, most often in people over 80.
• Understanding DementiaReversible contributors to cognitive symptomsEven when dementia is present, treating reversible contributors can meaningfully improve day-to-day function.
• Testing & DiagnosisAlzheimer's biomarkersBiomarkers detect the biology of Alzheimer's disease rather than only its symptoms.
• Testing & DiagnosisLumbar punctureA spinal fluid sample can measure amyloid and tau directly and evaluate for inflammation or infection.
• Testing & DiagnosisWhen to see a neurologistPrimary care can start the evaluation. Specialist referral helps when the picture is complex or treatment is being considered.
• TreatmentCan dementia be treated?There is meaningful treatment for dementia, even though most causes cannot yet be cured.
• TreatmentDonepezil (Aricept)A cholinesterase inhibitor used across mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's disease.
• TreatmentWho may qualify for disease-modifying therapyEligibility depends on stage, biomarker confirmation, imaging findings, medications, and other health conditions.
• TreatmentSleepPoor sleep worsens memory, mood, and behavior; treating sleep disorders can improve daily function.
• TreatmentHearingTreating hearing loss is one of the highest-value, most overlooked interventions available.