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Memory Disorders
Memory disorders result from a wide range of ailments and causes, including injury, stroke, tumors, hypertension, Alzheimer’s and other diseases commonly associated with, but not limited to, the elderly.
Symptoms
Almost everyone of any age experiences occasional minor, routine memory lapses. People who suffer from memory disorders often experience progressive memory loss and chronic forgetfulness, especially of recent events.
As memory disorders progress, typically people begin to exhibit confusion or dementia. Dementia — a decline in the ability to think, reason, or remember — is accompanied by behavioral changes. Dementia sufferers may forget how to perform routine, everyday tasks, fail to recognize friends and family, and become increasingly alienated socially and emotionally.
There are many causes and types of dementia, including:
• Multi-infarct
• Parkinson’s
• Lewy Body dementia
• Fronto-temporal
Other possible causes of dementia include vitamin deficiency, infections, and thyroid abnormalities.
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Diagnosis and Treatment
Because memory disorders result from such a wide range of causes, accurate diagnosis is extremely helpful. While some diseases, such as hypertension or stroke, are relatively easy to diagnose, others such as Alzheimer’s can only be diagnosed with absolute certainty postmortem. The goal is to identify all treatable causes of memory disorders and dementia.
Many of the diagnostic tools and techniques we use routinely to diagnose neurological disorders can be used to diagnose memory disorders. Patients receive a thorough neurological exam, and may undergo a CT or MRI as part of their evaluation. Patients may also be evaluated by a neuropsychologist. Because memory disorders and dementia can also be induced by medications, we ask patients to bring a list of all medications, including over-the-counter and herbal medications for review at the initial consultation.
Memory Disorders Support Group
DENT works closely with the Alzheimer's Association and hosts a Memory Disorders Support Group at both our Amherst (second Thursday of every month) and Orchard Park (fourth Thursday of every month) locations. For more information about the Memory Disorders Support Group, call us at 716 250-2038 or The New York Alzheimer’s Association at
626-0600.
Learn More About Memory Disorders
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
www.alzfdn.org
Western New York Alzheimer’s Association
www.alz.org/wny
Neuropsychologist
Donna Czarnecki, Ph.D.
Neuropharmacologists
Fran M. Gengo, Pharm.D.
Michelle Rainka, Pharm.D.
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