Memory Loss Specialist
Arizona Neurology Care
Neurology & Epilepsy Specialist located in Chandler, AZ & Queen Creek, AZ
Everyone is forgetful from time-to-time, but progressive memory loss may point to a more serious, underlying health problem. At Arizona Neurology Care in Chandler, Arizona, expert neurologist Hussam Seif-Eddeine, MD, and the team work with people of all ages to diagnose and treat memory loss. To schedule an appointment, call the office and speak with a team member or book online today.
Memory Loss
What is memory loss?
Memory loss is a neurological condition characterized by increased forgetfulness, difficulty remembering events, and trouble recognizing faces. Usually, it occurs due to illness, a brain injury, or the effects of drugs and alcohol.
With prompt diagnosis, it’s possible to treat many causes of memory loss. However, some illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s get progressively worse over time.
Am I more likely to experience memory loss as I get older?
Yes. As you age, your brain, like your body, undergoes changes. After middle-age, it’s normal to experience memory lapses on occasion. For example, you may forget where you placed your keys or forget the name of an acquaintance you just met.
Memory loss is a normal part of the aging process, but it shouldn’t affect your ability to work or perform routine tasks. If your memory loss progresses, though, don’t wait to seek professional medical help.
What are some common causes of memory loss?
Memory loss occurs for many reasons, including:
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
- Sleep deprivation
- Use of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications
- Brain tumor or infection
- Mental disorders like anxiety or depression
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Emotional trauma
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
You might also experience memory loss if you regularly get migraines or you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
How is memory loss diagnosed?
To diagnose memory loss, your Arizona Neurology Care provider conducts a physical exam and reviews your medical history. They also ask questions about your symptoms and perform a neurological evaluation.
Based on the findings of your evaluation, your provider might recommend additional testing, including blood tests to rule out underlying medical conditions, cognitive tests to check your thinking ability, or an electroencephalogram (EEG). An EEG is a diagnostic procedure that measures the electrical activity of your brain.
How is memory loss treated?
Treatment of memory loss depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Usually, the team at Arizona Neurology Care recommends a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medications.
For example, if you’re vitamin B-12 deficient, your provider might recommend eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep. If your memory loss is due to Alzheimer’s or dementia, you might benefit from taking a cholinesterase inhibitor. This medication treats cognitive symptoms like confusion and reasoning problems.
If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss, schedule an appointment at Arizona Neurology Care by calling the office or booking online today.
