Many people worry about whether the memory changes they notice in themselves or someone they care about are a result of normal aging – or something more serious.\u00a0 A comprehensive evaluation answers this question.\u00a0 The following is a list of signs that an evaluation is warranted:<\/p>\n
– Frequent repetition of questions
\n–\u00a0Increased frequency of misplacing things
\n– Missing appointments
\n–\u00a0Withdrawal from social activities
\n– Difficulties in conversation – often due to losing the train of thought
\n– Memory changes that disrupt daily life, such as difficulty keeping track of finances or medications<\/p>\n
Why pursue a comprehensive evaluation?<\/strong><\/p>\n If a person is experiencing changes that are greater than normal for his or her age group, the evaluation also helps identify the cause of the problem, and the potential treatments.\u00a0 There are many possible causes for changes in memory and other thinking skills (vascular disease, sleep apnea, depression, medication side effects, Alzheimer’s disease, and many more).\u00a0 It is important to understand the cause of a problem in order to treat it optimally.\u00a0 \u00a0If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about, early, accurate diagnosis is the first step towards appropriate treatment.<\/p>\n A comprehensive memory\/cognitive evaluation typically occurs over a series of appointments and may involve a number of medial disciplines (examples:\u00a0 neurologist, geriatrician, nurse practitioner, neuropsychologist, dietician, pharmacist, social worker.)\u00a0 First a thorough medical history and physical exam are done to determine potential causes of a problem.\u00a0\u00a0 Depending on the patient\u2019s recent medical history and diagnostic procedures, the following may be pursued:<\/p>\n laboratory studies\u00a0 (examples:\u00a0 blood test, urinalysis)<\/p>\n neuro-imaging studies (examples:\u00a0 MRI, CT or PET scan)<\/p>\n neuropsychological testing\u00a0 (testing of memory and other thinking skills \u2013 to clarify the nature and extent of the patient’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses)<\/p>\n It is useful for a family member or close personal associate to accompany the patient to the appointments to provide additional observations and history.<\/p>\n The process concludes with a feedback meeting with all parties, including patient and interested family member(s), to review the test results and recommendations.\u00a0 If a memory disorder is diagnosed, the patient and family will be informed of the relevant medical treatments, as well as educational and support services available through the Institute, and through other community resources.\u00a0\u00a0Our goal is to support the patient and family to maximize functioning and quality of life.<\/strong> \u00a0Evaluation reports can be forwarded to the patient’s outside treating physician(s) for follow-up medical care as needed.<\/p>\n To make an appointment at the Thomas and Lyon Longevity Clinic, call\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n (501) 686-6219<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Many people worry about whether the memory changes they notice in themselves or someone they care about are a result of normal aging – or something more serious.\u00a0 A comprehensive evaluation answers this question.\u00a0 The following is a list of signs that an evaluation is warranted: – Frequent repetition of questions –\u00a0Increased frequency of misplacing…<\/p>\n