If your parent is starting to show signs of memory loss that are worrying you, bring them to the doctor sooner rather than later, advises Marianna Golden, M.D., an attending neurologist at Montefiore Nyack Hospital. The doctor can determine if changes in memory are being caused by normal aging, Alzheimer’s disease, or another medical problem. The earlier a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the quicker they can start taking medication that may slow progression of memory loss, Dr. Golden says.

“It is not always easy to tell if memory loss is due to normal aging or dementia,” says Dr. Golden, who is also in private practice at Rockland Neurological Associates in West Nyack. “Typical signs of Alzheimer’s can include problems with simple activities of daily leaving such as leaving the stove on or the fridge open more than once, forgetting how to make a favorite recipe, or getting lost while driving.” If a person suddenly loses interest in things they used to love doing, or if they really just aren’t themselves, these may also be signs of Alzheimer’s, she notes.

Currently available Alzheimer’s medications are effective in slowing down the progression of the disease, especially if a person starts taking them in the early stages, she says. “The earlier you start the medications, the better off you will be in the long run,” Dr. Golden adds. “The drugs only prevent worsening of the disease, and do not bring back memory that is already lost. The disease will still progress even if a person takes medication, but not as fast as it would without the medication.”

In some cases, memory loss is caused by another medical problem such as a stroke or a brain tumor, infection or metabolic abnormalities. In these cases, early diagnosis is also essential, in order to start treatment right away.

The first step in evaluating a patient with memory loss is to rule out treatable medical condition that may affect memory. The doctor may order blood and urine tests, as well as a CT scan of the head or brain MRI. Once other possible causes of memory loss are ruled out, the doctor will conduct a memory test that consists of a series of questions that helps to assess memory and other cognitive functions. The doctor will also seek input from the patient’s caregivers. “If a person has a high cognitive level, they may be able to pass an initial assessment, but the caregiver knows they have gotten lost trying to get home,” Dr. Golden says. In some cases, the doctor may recommend the patient go for further testing by a neuropsychologist for in-depth evaluation of cognitive skills.

It is not always apparent how long the patient has been showing signs of Alzheimer’s. “This is especially true if family members live far away and don’t see the person often,” Dr. Golden observes. “If you are concerned your loved one may have a more advanced case, you may want to bring them directly to a neurologist for evaluation."

Having an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s not only allows for earlier treatment, but can help patients and their families plan for the future, take care of financial and legal issues, address potential safety issues and develop support networks. Patients given an early diagnosis also may be able to participate in a clinical trial of possible new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. For information visit the National Institute on Aging website, click here.