Whether you have concerns about the memory loss you’ve noticed in a loved one or if you yourself seem more forgetful than usual, it may be time to get a medical diagnosis.
Forgetting little things, like an appointment or where you put your car keys, doesn’t necessarily indicate the onset of dementia, especially if you do remember this information later. But if you notice this happening more often and it seems increasingly difficult to recall this information, it may be time to see a health care provider.
How memory loss is diagnosed
Because memory loss and dementia are complex, the evaluation process needs to be thorough in order to get a good diagnosis. This may involve hours of testing and even some follow-up visits. While that may seem daunting, it’s worth the time and effort. The problem may turn out to be something other than dementia that’s treatable. But even if it is dementia-associated memory loss, knowing what you’re dealing with can help you take steps to slow its progress.
The sooner you understand the challenges ahead and what to do about them, the better off you — or your loved one — will be.
Your health care provider will likely begin with an interview and take a medical history. After that, they’ll move on to the testing phase.
Neuroimaging
A test that’s often used in diagnosing dementia is an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging. The process uses a strong magnetic field to take pictures of different parts of the brain.
Some imaging tests also require a tracer material to be injected into the bloodstream. This will move through to the brain. Areas with diminished neural activity or blood flow will show up in the image.
An electroencephalogram looks at the electrical activity within the brain by attaching electrodes to your scalp. The EEG doesn’t generate any current; it simply measures nerve activity.
Psychological testing
This type of test assesses one’s ability to see, remember things and speak, and evaluates behavior, motor skills, intelligence, reasoning and self-control. Each of these traits engage a different part of the brain, and a person’s performance can indicate which parts of the brain are working well and which aren’t.
Not everyone with dementia will experience memory loss, but they may have other symptoms that these kinds of tests can also reveal.
Lab tests
Laboratory tests will check for blood count, certain chemicals and viruses in order to rule out diseases, vitamin deficiencies, organ failure or thyroid issues, all of which may cause memory problems.
Sometimes a sample of spinal fluid is needed to look for chemicals that may be associated with infections or inflammation.
Memory loss and dementia
As you may have surmised by now, not all memory loss is due to dementia. Even if it goes beyond normal forgetfulness, memory loss may be caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, an STD, a brain tumor, organ failure, a hormone imbalance — or several other things.
While there’s no reason to panic at the first signs and symptoms, it is highly advisable to get any noticeable memory issues checked out. If there’s a treatable condition causing it, the sooner you get it diagnosed, the better. If it is dementia-related, there are steps to take to slow — and possibly even reverse — the progress of memory loss.
Don’t delay. If you are concerned about your own memory problems or those of a loved one, every day counts.
Resources:
- NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/diagnosis-tests/
- Women's Alzheimer's Movement, https://thewomensalzheimersmovement.org/8-steps-to-reverse-memory-loss/
