Can a Neurologist Help With Memory Loss?

Have you noticed your loved one acting a little forgetful lately? Forgetting a conversation or your keys is common at times, but something might be manifesting if this is occurring more frequently. You or your loved one could be suffering from an early stage of dementia or memory loss. Although dementia is not a specific disease, many factors may cause dementia and memory loss or other functions. In the search for a certified, knowledgeable, and experienced neurologist in Lindenhurst? Look no further; Nassau Suffolk Neurology is here for you. Continue reading on to learn more about dementia, memory loss, and how a neurologist may help you through this tough diagnosis. 

What Can Cause Dementia?

Dementia is simply a result of brain disease, and most definitely not a normal component of aging. Furthermore, dementia describes the loss of cognitive functions, which can be so severe that they interfere with an individual’s way of life, daily activities, and movements. Dementia is also known as the more general term when describing the loss of memory, language, and thinking abilities in an individual. In most cases, an individuals’ memory doesn’t all diminish at the same time. This condition is very low and progresses over time, most likely due to the gradual loss of brain cells (neurons), otherwise known as neurodegeneration. 

Memory Loss Explained, Separate From Dementia 

Sometimes your diagnosis is, in fact, not dementia. Your neurologist in Lindenhurst carefully examines your symptoms, medical history, mental status, and more. Sometimes, they don’t line up with Alzheimer’s Disease or any type of dementia. Instead, your neurologist may suggest that you are suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is known as the stage between the expected memory loss due to aging and the more serious decline of memory due to dementia and other brain diseases. Individuals with mild cognitive impairment are most likely aware of their memory and mental functions diminishing over time. These changes may be noticeable to the individual, their family, and friends; however, these slight changes arent big enough to impact the individual’s daily life and activities at all. In some cases, mild cognitive impairment may increase and personal risk of developing dementia in the future. However, some people’s MCI never worsens and sometimes gets better in the long run.  

Diagnosing Mild Cognitive Impairment or MCI

Because there is no specific test to diagnose mild cognitive impairment, your neurologist in Lindenhurst again bases everything on your symptoms, reports, and evaluations. Curated by an international panel of neurologists, the criteria for diagnosing mild cognitive impairment or MCI is as followed: 

• The individual has problems with memory or any other type of mental function.
• Their medical history reveals a great decline in ability over time. 
• Their overall mental function, as well as daily activities, don’t seem to be impacted. 
• Mental status testing shows a very mild or slight impairment for the individual’s age or education level.

Risk Factors Linked to Cognition 

There are a bunch of risk factors that can influence your cognitive function as a whole. Granted, some things cannot be changed; however, others can be addressed and dealt with to reduce your overall risk over time. Risks include but are not limited to: 

• Age 
• Family history 
• Down Syndrome 
• Diet and exercise 
• Alcohol intake 
• Depression
• Diabetes 
• Smoking 
• Sleep Apnea 
• Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies 

How Nassau Suffolk Neurology Can Help! 

It is never too early to get your memory and cognitive functions checked out! Nassau Suffolk Neurology is both experienced and knowledgeable in this area and many others, and is ready to assist and guide you through. Call us or schedule an appointment today!