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" is another word for a check-up or test.

Your doctor might do an evaluation if you or your family has noticed that 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. Other people 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 memory or thinking problems that are more serious. 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 the term for a group of brain disorders that affect memory and thinking. Alzheimer disease is a form of dementia.

What does an evaluation involve? — An evaluation involves different parts. You might have all of the parts in 1 day, or it might take a few days to do all the parts. The different parts include:

●Talking with your doctor or nurse – Your doctor or nurse 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 person 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 are able to:

•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. It is usually done by a doctor called a "neuropsychologist."

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

●A CT or MRI scan of your brain – These are imaging tests that can create pictures of your brain. Not everyone needs a brain scan. Whether or not you have a brain scan depends on your symptoms and physical exam.

Why is it important to have an evaluation? — It's important to have an evaluation because some memory and thinking problems can be treated. After treatment, the symptoms will often get better.

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

If the tests show problems that are getting worse over time, it could be a sign that you might be developing dementia. Dementia is the general term for a group of brain disorders, including Alzheimer disease, that affect memory and thinking. Although most forms of dementia cannot be treated, it can be helpful to know you are at risk. For example, if you know that your problems might affect certain daily tasks or activities, then you can get help in those areas. Plus, if you know that 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)