HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Does Difficulty In Remembering Things Indicate Alzheier's Disease?

default
Posted on Wed, 25 Mar 2015
Question: Dear Doctor,
I have a problem with my memory and I want to know whether I have Alzheimer. I find it very difficult to remember things. how can i find out?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Alzheimer unlikely.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Due to it being a common condition many people have heard about Alzheimer's and fear it.

Let me start by saying that the chances of you having Alzheimer's are very very low simply because of your age, more than 90% of the cases are over 60 and I have never seen a case in my daily practice under the age of 45.

Of course since you have memory loss it should be investigated. It may be often that what seems like memory loss is actually related to lack of concentration due to factors like stress, anxiety and depression. These affect your concentration but there is no real memory loss.

Usually in evaluating memory loss it is started with neuropsychological test, the most widely used one is the XXXXXXX Mental State Examination (MMSE) which is a screening test, if abnormal scoring is seen it is investigated further.

Also some routine tests like blood count, blood glucose, kidney and liver function tests, electrolytes, thyroid function and Vitamin B12 level are recommended to search for other possible conditions manifested with memory loss.

If neuropsychological tests detect abnormalities or you have other neurological signs, then brain imaging with CT and MRI is also recommended.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Does Difficulty In Remembering Things Indicate Alzheier's Disease?

Brief Answer: Alzheimer unlikely. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Due to it being a common condition many people have heard about Alzheimer's and fear it. Let me start by saying that the chances of you having Alzheimer's are very very low simply because of your age, more than 90% of the cases are over 60 and I have never seen a case in my daily practice under the age of 45. Of course since you have memory loss it should be investigated. It may be often that what seems like memory loss is actually related to lack of concentration due to factors like stress, anxiety and depression. These affect your concentration but there is no real memory loss. Usually in evaluating memory loss it is started with neuropsychological test, the most widely used one is the XXXXXXX Mental State Examination (MMSE) which is a screening test, if abnormal scoring is seen it is investigated further. Also some routine tests like blood count, blood glucose, kidney and liver function tests, electrolytes, thyroid function and Vitamin B12 level are recommended to search for other possible conditions manifested with memory loss. If neuropsychological tests detect abnormalities or you have other neurological signs, then brain imaging with CT and MRI is also recommended. I remain at your disposal for further questions.