Memory loss is an unusual level of forgetfulness. It is often a result of natural ageing but can also be caused by a range of medical problems and conditions.
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Memory loss goes by many names - forgetfulness, amnesia, impaired memory, amnestic syndrome, just to name a few.
It’s normal to forget things from time to time, but memory loss is an unusual degree of forgetfulness. For example, you may have difficulty remembering information from one day to the next, or recently held conversations. Sometimes memory impairment of this kind can occur in isolation but if associated with other symptoms, such as a poorer sense of direction or becoming less organised, then it may reflect an underlying neurological disorder.
If you’re worried about your memory, it’s affecting your day-to-day life, or if it’s deteriorating quickly, it’s important to seek a diagnosis and undergo treatment as necessary.
Memory loss may affect ability to recall information from day to day or appointments whereas other people may forget conversations rapidly, misplace items or go into a room and forget why. It can be associated with other symptoms such as difficulty remembering words or names, getting lost more easily or forgetting how to use items such as household appliances.
Normal ageing is the most common cause of a decline in memory, and it’s totally normal to become more forgetful as you get older.
However, memory loss can also be down to a wide range of medical problems and conditions, and even certain lifestyle factors.
Causes of memory loss include:
To diagnose the cause of your memory loss, you will need to have a consultation with a OneWelbeck neurologist. At your appointment, your consultant will do a physical examination and will also perform some question-and-answer tests to assess your memory and other thinking skills. Diagnostic tests such as brain scanning, more detailed cognitive testing and blood tests will be used to clarify the underlying cause of the memory impairment.
Given that Alzheimer’s disease is by far the commonest disease causing memory impairment, there is also the capability to undertake more sensitive tests looking specifically for early Alzheimer’s disease, such as a lumbar puncture to look for the amyloid and tau proteins associated with the disorder. Such tests are becoming of increasing importance given the arrival of new medications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease but are highly complex and need to be performed by specialist neurological services.
The results of these tests will help your consultant identify the cause of your memory loss so they can recommend the best possible course of treatment.
The possible treatments for your memory loss very much depend on the cause. At your follow-up consultation, your OneWelbeck neurologist will explain your diagnosis and the best course of action. They will talk you through the treatment required and answer any questions you may have.
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We have brought together a group of leading neurologists, neuroradiologists, and neurophysiologists to create our Neurology team. With over 300 years of combined experience, these expert clinicians are the best in their field providing services that integrate across multiple specialties.