When should you get memory screenings?

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, as designated by the Alzheimer’s Association. As a part of the awareness campaign, the Alzheimer’s Association also recognizes November 16th as National Memory Screening Day. In honor of this recognition, consider getting a memory screening from your doctor or an Alzheimer’s organization. It’s important to get these screenings so you can detect any signs of early memory loss like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Read on to learn when you should get memory screenings.

At what age are people susceptible to memory loss?

Age-related memory loss is normal. From forgetting where you left your keys to not recalling what day of the week it is on occasion, getting older does come with some slight forgetfulness. But at what age is this normal? There is no official number. You may gain insight by talking to direct relatives about when they started having slight memory issues. Your DNA is similar to theirs, so it’s not uncommon to have similar experiences with timing.

What is a memory loss screening?

The Alzheimer’s Association noted that there is no one test that can diagnose a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Instead, doctors will combine a physical exam, discuss the patient’s medical history and perform mental status tests to understand the individual’s cognitive functioning and overall health. Seniors who want to get memory loss screenings will have to answer questions about their diet and personal habits as well as undergo regular wellness checks on the heart, lungs, blood pressure, temperature and pulse.

Then, the physician will also perform a neurological exam. This tests the senior’s sensations, eye movements, speech, reflexes and coordination. These assessments may show that a person has a brain disorder such as Alzheimer’s. If there are signs that an individual may have memory loss, the patient may also take mental status tests.

These exams include asking the person what day and date it is, asking him or her to remember words and repeat them or even having the senior read a clock. Mini-mental state exams, or MMSEs, are often used to note if further testing is needed to determine the presence of memory loss. Doctors may also perform a mood assessment to look for symptoms like depression, apathy or other mood disorders that are sometimes associated with dementia.

Brain imaging is another key part of memory loss screening. Imaging technology like MRI and CT scans may indicate that an individual’s memory troubles are caused by another medical issue. These tests are used to rule out other diseases that cause structural issues such as brain trauma, fluid in the brain, tumors and strokes.

When should I get screened?

If you are concerned you may have memory loss, head to the doctor. A family practice physician can perform most of the exams above and will refer you to a radiologist and psychiatrist for the assessments he or she cannot do. First, though, the doctor will rule out issues such as medications that may be causing memory troubles. This way you can move on to more imaging and tests knowing that you’ve already discussed other potential causes.