Determining the cause of memory loss in the elderly

PREVIEW

Many of the complaints about memory loss that bring an elderly patient to the office reflect normal aging or effects of a treatable condition, such as depression. But sometimes, the changes are a harbinger of an ominous process, such as Alzheimer's disease. With objective verification of memory loss, physicians can feel more confident in allaying patients' fears or in making a diagnosis of dementia, even in early disease when signs are ambiguous. In this article, the authors describe simple tests to do in the office and situations that are best handled by referral for neuropsychological testing.