Seeing Your Doctor for Memory Issues
Do you feel as if memory problems are interfering with your life or have family members started to notice? Medical experts say there may be a distinction between a person noticing memory loss and others becoming aware of it as this could signal a bigger problem and be an early sign of dementia.
The Harvard Medical School explains the best place to start understanding the problem is to talk to your doctor. While they may not have the proper training to do extensive screening for MCI (mild cognitive impairment), they can rule out other things causing your memory loss such as medications you take or a recent head injury. Steps you can take on your own to improve cognitive function include getting enough sleep each night, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress.
After your own physician has completed an examination, and nothing appears to explain your memory loss, it is time to see a specialist. They, or your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter or hospital should be able to recommend a behavioral neurologist, geriatric psychiatrist or other specialist who works in this field. He or she will probably start with a series of written, on the computer, or oral tests to “assess memory, reasoning, attention, language, visual functions, motor functions, and social functions (such as empathy and knowing how to behave appropriately in social situations).”
They will check for “abnormalities in muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, senses, eye movement, and the pupils’ reaction to light, which can signal abnormalities in specific areas of the brain.” In addition, the doctor will check for Parkinson’s, a stroke or tumors, and may schedule a hearing and vision test. If indicated, you may have advanced testing such as brain imaging or your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers checked for signs of Alzheimer’s disease. In May, a significant milestone was reached with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a blood test that detects amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, offering a less invasive alternative to existing diagnostic methods.
At MorningStar at North Ridge, we provide individualized care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our memory care community was designed to provide a secure setting, which allows residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily. Our specialized alzheimers care includes finding ways to connect with and nurture the essence of the individual, and to celebrate and elevate life. Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar and all the amenities and services we provide to residents and their families alike.
MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest alzheimers care in Albuquerque.
Sources: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/mild-cognitive-impairment
alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/medical_testsalz.org/news/2025/fda-clears-blood-test-alzheimers-diagnosis