Memory Loss Information
Some loss in cognitive abilities is normal with aging. A decrease in cognitive functioning that exceeds the normal age related decline is called Cognitive Impairment. Short term memory loss is the most common presenting symptom of Cognitive Impairment. Other early symptoms may include verbal difficulties (word finding, fluency of speech) and visuospatial deficiency (ability to orient). Such decline may present in everyday life as misplacing objects, decreased ability to remember and follow instructions, ability to multitask, ability to learn new tasks.
Mild cognitive impairment may be caused by multiple factors and conditions. Some of them are treatable, others, unfortunately, are chronic and progressive.
Possible causes include Sleep deprivation, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Depression, Chronic Pain disorders, Vitamin Deficiency, Infections, Brain Injury, Vascular Atrophic changes (common with Diabetes, Chronic Hypertension, Autoimmune disorders), Dementia.
There are no specific testing parameters for diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment, so observing progression is important. A baseline cognitive testing should be performed. Results of such testing are dependent on multiple factors including level of education, level of intelligence, presence of learning disorders. Treatable causes of cognitive impairment should be ruled out or treated. Follow up tests should be performed to monitor progression (or improvement).
MRI of brain may be obtained to check for vascular disease or abnormal atrophy of brain.
Currently there are no diagnostic measures to identify the exact cause of Cognitive Impairment, how ever emerging imaging techniques may assist in making the diagnosis of such conditions as Alzheimer’s disease, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson’s Dementia.
Treatment will depend on suspected cause of Cognitive Impairment. In case of treatable underlying condition, treating that condition will improve cognitive function.
Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments for Progressive Dementia. Medications such as Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne) and Memantine (Namenda) may delay the progression of Cognitive Impairment and disability in Alzheimer’s Dementia.
Medical dietary supplements may help as well. These include L-Methylfolate (Folic acid), Methylcobalamin (B12), CO Q10.
Mild cognitive impairment may be caused by multiple factors and conditions. Some of them are treatable, others, unfortunately, are chronic and progressive.
Possible causes include Sleep deprivation, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Depression, Chronic Pain disorders, Vitamin Deficiency, Infections, Brain Injury, Vascular Atrophic changes (common with Diabetes, Chronic Hypertension, Autoimmune disorders), Dementia.
There are no specific testing parameters for diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment, so observing progression is important. A baseline cognitive testing should be performed. Results of such testing are dependent on multiple factors including level of education, level of intelligence, presence of learning disorders. Treatable causes of cognitive impairment should be ruled out or treated. Follow up tests should be performed to monitor progression (or improvement).
MRI of brain may be obtained to check for vascular disease or abnormal atrophy of brain.
Currently there are no diagnostic measures to identify the exact cause of Cognitive Impairment, how ever emerging imaging techniques may assist in making the diagnosis of such conditions as Alzheimer’s disease, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson’s Dementia.
Treatment will depend on suspected cause of Cognitive Impairment. In case of treatable underlying condition, treating that condition will improve cognitive function.
Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments for Progressive Dementia. Medications such as Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne) and Memantine (Namenda) may delay the progression of Cognitive Impairment and disability in Alzheimer’s Dementia.
Medical dietary supplements may help as well. These include L-Methylfolate (Folic acid), Methylcobalamin (B12), CO Q10.
