How can you determine whether memory loss is more than just simply "normal" aging?

Memory problems that interfere with your ability to carry out tasks at work or at home can signal illnesses or conditions that should be identified and treated.  You should be evaluated for memory problems if your memory loss:

• Interferes with daily activities
• Causes you to avoid specific tasks, hobbies, or social events
• Is noticed by those close to you
• Seems to be getting worse

Early diagnosis

Early diagnosis of dementia is essential for treatment.  Early recognition and the opportunity for treatment is beneficial to patients and their family.  It provides an opportunity to slow the progression of the disease, delay mortality by an average of four years, and allows more time to plan for the future.

The diagnostic process

There is no one single diagnostic test that can detect if a person has Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. The Memory Diagnostic Center follows an internationally recognized protocol for making the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, or reversible causes of memory impairment.  The patient will have a total of two appointments. During the first appointment the patient is seen by Chris Erbisch, Occupational Therapist.  A physician's referral is required for the evaluation and the service is billed to insurance companies as an Occupational Therapy Evaluation. Occupational Therapy (OT) is a health care profession that evaluates and treats various conditions to improve the ability to do everyday activities of daily life.

During this same time period, the family or caregiver meets with Darlene T. Allen, LLMSW and a history of memory impairment is obtained as well as an overview of how the patient is functioning and if the patient or family has any immediate needs.

All of the information obtained from the evaluation and from the family intake is provided to the physician prior to the second appointment. During the second appointment, the patient is evaluated by the neurologist, Dr. Politi. Sometimes these two appointments are on the same day and in some instances they are on separate days.  Dr. Politi provides a comprehensive and targeted physical exam. Laboratory testing and radiological evaluation, if appropriate, will be ordered. Dr. Politi will then make a diagnosis and provide recommendations to the patient and family. Follow up appointments are recommended and vary according to patient needs.

After the Diagnosis

Finding out you or a loved one has non-reversible memory loss is a life-altering event. You will have the opportunity to receive information on your specific diagnosis and anticipated progression of disease process.   Social Services are available through the Memory Diagnostic Center to help link you to any necessary community resources and to provide ongoing case management and caregiver support.