These are always my favorite cases. I have had several people who have come to me, worried for years about their symptoms, without anyone, doctors, psychologists, etc. being able to tell them why it is happening and how to make it better.
As Memory Specialists (Cognitive Neurologists), we are taught in our training about reversible forms of memory loss, and to look for these first before suspecting a brain condition. Everyone should have a complete medical history taken to look for signs of an immune condition, a nutritional problem, or an infection. Everyone should have blood tests done to look for these as well. And everyone should have brain imaging, such as a CT or MRI.
What are some reversible forms of memory loss?
- Memory loss due to too many or wrong medications or toxins
- Poor sleep
- Depression or Anxiety
- Undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Immune system memory disorder (such as lupus, encephalitis, or undiagnosed cancer)
- Infectious memory disorder (such as encephalitis or fungal infection)
- Memory loss due to lack of oxygen to brain (such as sleep apnea or microvascular)
- Memory loss due to concussion
-Memory loss due to stroke
Which are some forms of memory loss we can help?
-Memory loss due to heart, kidney, liver, or lung disorder
-Memory loss due to neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Disease, Parkinson's, Frontotemporal Dementia, Primary Progressive Aphasia, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy)
So, you see, we can even help more permanent or progressive forms of memory loss. Anytime there is a concern, you should see a specialist and make sure these tests are done.
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