If you or someone you know is having difficulty remembering people, things, or how to complete tasks, it could be a memory loss issue. Your neurologist can help. Dr. Gerald Silverboard at Atlanta Family Neurology in Atlanta, GA, provides a wide range of neurological services, including diagnosing and treating memory loss.

What You Need To Know About Memory Loss

Memory loss can happen gradually as part of the normal aging process. Genetic factors and neurological conditions, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, can also affect memory.

Memory loss can also happen suddenly due to a traumatic brain injury, meningitis, or a stroke. Certain medications can also cause memory loss.

Occasional forgetfulness is normal. However, there are some signs and symptoms that are concerning. You should visit a neurologist if you are frequently:

• Forgetting or losing items
• Unable to complete tasks that have several steps
• Getting lost while traveling to a familiar destination
• Unable to perform daily tasks like paying bills, cleaning, or cooking

Visiting a neurologist for an early evaluation is critical to help prevent increasing memory loss. Early diagnosis is important for providing early treatment and a better treatment outcome.

Your neurologist will begin with a thorough examination and evaluation. Your neurologist will also record your signs and symptoms, medications, recent illnesses and hospitalizations, and whether you have a family history of memory loss.

Neurological imaging may be indicated and can include an MRI, CT scan, or PET scan. Cognitive and neurological testing is also an important part of the examination. Your neurologist may also order laboratory testing to check for an underlying medical condition causing memory loss.

Depending on what is causing the memory loss, your neurologist may recommend medications to help prevent the progression of memory loss and enhance memory. Cognitive exercises may also be recommended to enhance focus and concentration. Dietary and lifestyle modifications may also be recommended.

Remember that you can do a lot to help prevent memory loss. You should:

• Stay physically active to boost blood flow to your brain
• Stay mentally active to maintain focus, concentration, and reasoning capability
• Interact with others to prevent stress and depression
• Organize your things and make lists of things to do
• Get enough sleep to help maintain memory
• Eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet
• Manage chronic health conditions

Want To Know More About Memory Loss?

To learn more about memory loss and when forgetfulness becomes a concern, call Dr. Silverboard at Atlanta Family Neurology in Atlanta, GA. You can reach him in the office by calling (404) 255-2670, so call today.