Ian Purcell MD PhD Monali Patel MD Otoneurology Call 858 223 2172
Educational Resources
Patient education

Memory Loss/Dementia

Memory loss has many causes, some of them treatable. A neurologic evaluation separates normal aging from dementia, medication effects, and other conditions.

At a glance

Symptoms
Forgetfulness, trouble with complex tasks, word-finding problems, disorientation
Common causes
Alzheimer's and vascular disease, medication effects, thyroid or vitamin problems
How it's diagnosed
Cognitive testing, brain imaging, and blood tests
Treatment
Correcting reversible causes, medication, and cognitive support

Overview

Memory loss and dementia are closely related conditions that affect cognitive functions such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning. While memory loss can be a symptom of various conditions, including stress and aging, it is also a primary sign of dementia, a group of brain disorders that cause a long-term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember.

Causes and risk factors

  • Memory Loss: Can occur as a standalone symptom due to factors like medication side effects, nutritional deficiencies, or emotional stresses. It is also a prominent feature of dementia.
  • Dementia: Includes several types, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Causes vary depending on the type but generally involve changes to brain cells affecting their ability to communicate.

Symptoms

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Memory Loss
  • Difficulty with Complex Tasks
  • Language Problems
  • Disorientation
  • Personality Changes
  • Mood Swings

Diagnosis

  • Cognitive Assessments and Neuropsychological Testing: To evaluate memory impairment and other cognitive functions.
  • Brain Imaging (MRI, CT): To detect structural changes in the brain and help pinpoint specific types of dementia.
  • Blood Tests: To identify other possible causes of memory loss such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies.

Treatment

  • Medications: Aimed at slowing disease progression in dementia or addressing underlying causes of memory loss.
  • Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies: Help manage the symptoms of dementia and support cognitive health.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Including dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, and cognitive training exercises.

Supportive Care and Management

  • Educational Resources: For patients and caregivers to understand these conditions better.
  • Support Groups and Counseling: Offering emotional support and coping strategies.
  • Safety and Lifestyle Adaptations: Home modifications and routines to support daily living activities safely and independently.

At our clinic

  • EEG (Electroencephalogram): To assess electrical activity in the brain which can be altered in dementia.
  • Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP): Helps understand how cognitive impairments affect balance and mobility.

Testing that can help

Testing is chosen from your history and examination. These are the tests most often used here.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)Brain-wave recording used when spells, altered awareness, or neurologic symptoms raise concern for seizure activity or other cortical patterns.
Normal Pressure HydrocephalusNormal pressure hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid in the brain that classically causes walking difficulty, memory problems, and bladder urgency, and it can improve with treatment.Parkinson's DiseaseParkinson's disease is a progressive movement disorder that causes tremor, slowness, stiffness, and balance problems, and it can also affect blood pressure control.Sleep ApneaSleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and morning headaches and raising the risk of heart and blood pressure problems.

When to seek urgent care

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if dizziness or imbalance starts suddenly together with any of the following, since these can be signs of a stroke or another emergency:

  • Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
  • Trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Double vision or sudden loss of vision
  • A sudden, severe headache
  • Inability to walk or stand
  • Chest pain, fainting, or a seizure

Further reading

This article is for general education and does not replace a medical evaluation. Testing and treatment are chosen for each patient after a full history and examination.