Memory loss may occur in the process of normal aging or it may be a sign of brain injury or disease.
Memory involves the ability to retrieve, recall and recognize information that has been learned.
Disorders that affect memory may interfere with any of these steps and may involve difficulties with verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills.
Examples may include memory problems with names, familiar places, previously learned skills from listening to doing behaviors such as using a telephone, cooking dinner, etc.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease refers to a specific degenerative process of the brain that may begin in mid life (50 yrs) or in the later stages of life.
The characteristic features usually involve memory difficulties with language (names, correct words or phrases) and short term memory (forgetfulness with where something was placed).
The disorder develops over three phases with the initial phase often involving some features of depression and minimizing difficulties noticed.
As the disorder advances learned skills are too difficult to complete accurately and mistaken belief’s (delusions of persecution, theft, replacement) become more prominent.
End stage complications require total nursing assistance.
Parkinson Disease
Parkinson’s Disease- PD - refers to a movement disorder that often affects mood (depression and anxiety) and memory loss.
The development of three problems with movement usually result in a characteristic Tremor, Slowness of movement or Bradykinesia and loss of balance resulting in falls.
Hand writing characteristically becomes smaller (Micrographia).
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Mild Cognitive Impairment
This condition refers to a disorder that has not reached the threshold of a dementia but includes a loss of previous level of functioning memory beyond that expected for the patient's age.
Aggressive treatment with medication used in dementia for memory loss is usually the offered.
80% of patients with this condition will progress to dementia (Alzheimer, etc.) within five years.
Obtain records from other professionals if available, i.e. hospital emergency room
Legal status, i.e. litigation pending or implemented
If child or young adult, get school report cards
Assure time to obtain collaborative history from significant others in patient’s life
Toxic Dementia
Dementia may result from Alcohol and other chronic substance abuse (cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, MPTP, etc.)
How can Dr. Kohn help you?
Dr. Kohn uses a variety of evaluation forms and both Assessment and Treatment Tools in his Practice.
He uses a Holistic view of the patient and the problem.
Dr. Kohn uses a Biological-Psychological-Social framework to assess your symptoms because he knows that the proper diagnosis leads to proper treatment.
