Repost: When is Memory Loss a Problem? When in Doubt, Check it Out!

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Jan 19, 2021 | Dr. Melanie Chandler, HABIT FL Director | @drmelaniechandler | Comments (1)

This week I'm reposting this great piece by Dr. Locke from August 2019.  If you are unsure of whether your memory loss is "more than just getting older,"  get it checked out.  The sooner you start doing things to help with your memory in the memory loss journey, the better!

On this Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) newsfeed, we've primarily focused on topics that might be of help or interest to individuals who have been diagnosed with MCI and find our page. However, when I saw this recent newsletter from Banner Alzheimer's Institute, I realized that some of you may find us because you've searched terms such as "memory loss" or "short term memory problems." The article, authored by Dr. David Weidman, a Neurologist at Banner, gives guidance for individuals who may be worried about memory changes. I'd encourage you to check it out as well as their 10 warning signs related to memory loss. I agree with their final advice--"when in doubt, check it out!" I assure you that your primary care doctor, neurologist, or neuropsychologist (or all three!) love nothing better than evaluating individuals and being able to say--"Nope, this is just normal forgetfulness. No worries!"  But, if you are evaluated and do receive a diagnosis of MCI, just know that there is support for you. Come back and check out our HABIT program information for starters!

At the same time I received this newsletter from Banner, I also received a newsletter from the Alzheimer's Association. In that newsletter was a related article "Communicating with your doctor about memory loss." If you are worried about your memory and know you want to bring it up with your doctor, their article can help you frame how you'd move forward--from advice about what to bring to the appointment to questions to ask. The article also provides information on the types of providers you may see in the evaluation process as well as helpful resources to help you prepare for your visit (such as a format for listing symptoms and questions or organizing medications).  There are also resources that may be helpful to you after your doctors visit.

I hope these resources help you move forward with getting those memory concerns evaluated!