Patient education: Evaluating memory and thinking problems (The Basics)

What does "evaluating memory and thinking problems" mean? — 

It means checking your memory and thinking. An "evaluation" means a check-up or test.

Your doctor might do an evaluation if you or your family has noticed you are having problems with your memory or thinking, or doing daily activities.

An evaluation can show:

●If you have memory or thinking problems

●The types of problems you have, and how serious they are

An evaluation might also show what's causing your problems. Different conditions can cause memory and thinking problems.

Some people have only 1 evaluation. Others have repeat evaluations to see if their problems get worse over time.

What can cause memory or thinking problems? — 

It is normal for adults to have slight memory problems as they get older. But some people have more serious memory or thinking problems. This might suggest a cause other than normal aging.

Some causes of memory and thinking problems can be reversed or treated. These include:

●Side effects of certain medicines

●Not getting enough of certain vitamins, especially vitamin B12

●A condition called "hypothyroidism," which is when the body does not make enough thyroid hormone

Other things that can cause problems with memory or thinking include:

●Some mental health problems – These include depression and anxiety.

●A stroke or head injury – In this case, symptoms usually start suddenly rather than gradually.

●A tumor or infection in the brain – This is a less common cause.

●Dementia – This is a group of brain disorders that affect memory and thinking. Alzheimer disease is a form of dementia.

What happens during an evaluation? — 

An evaluation involves different parts. You might have all the parts in 1 day, or it might take a few days. The different parts include:

●Talking with your doctor or nurse – They will talk with you and your family about your symptoms, behavior, and daily activities. They will ask about changes in your symptoms and behavior. They will also ask about your medical problems, mood, medicines, and drug and alcohol use.

●A physical exam

●Tests for your memory and thinking – The doctor or nurse will ask some questions to check your memory and thinking. For example, they might tell you 3 words and have you try to remember them for a few minutes.

You might also see another doctor called a "neuropsychologist" for more detailed testing. This is called "neuropsychological" testing because it is done to learn more about how your brain and mind are working. It involves testing how well you can:

•Speak

•Write and understand language

•Learn and remember information

•Use reason and logic

•Do tasks related to math and numbers

This type of detailed testing can take 1 to several hours.

●Blood tests – These can check for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

●A CT or MRI scan of your brain – These are imaging tests that create pictures of the brain. Whether you need a brain scan depends on your symptoms and physical exam.

Why should I get an evaluation? — 

It's important to have an evaluation because some memory and thinking problems can be treated. After treatment, symptoms often get better.

Evaluation is also important because some tests can be repeated over time. This gives you and your doctors information about your condition. For example, if the tests show your problems are mild and are not getting worse, that is a good sign.

If the tests show problems are getting worse over time, it could be a sign you might be developing dementia. Although most forms of dementia cannot be treated, it can help to know you are at risk. For example, if you know your problems might affect certain daily tasks or activities, you can get help in those areas. Plus, if you know your condition is not likely to improve, you and your family can make plans for the future.

More on this topic

Patient education: Dementia (including Alzheimer disease) (The Basics)
Patient education: Mild cognitive impairment (The Basics)
Patient education: Advance directives (The Basics)

Patient education: Dementia (including Alzheimer disease) (Beyond the Basics)