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How To Fix Short And Long Term Memory Loss?
My father is in his 40 s and has been experiencing short term and long term memory loss (un-diagnosed) , trouble speaking and saying words right, short tempered, trouble operating automobiles, not being able to figure out easy things, like how to start the microwave or the oven, last he always whispers under his breath like where you can t understand it but he doesnt notice that he is doing it. My mom has taken to different doctors and specialists but they say he seems fine, but of course they dont see it first hand . It is getting to be anxious for my family to be around him. We really need this to be fixed. Any clue on what this could be?
Thu, 3 May 2012
Hello
Your dad has features of Dementia which are
1)Impaired Memory
2)Apraxia(difficulty performing learned motor tasks.eg operating oven or microwave in your dads case)
3)Speech abnormality like Word finding
4)Behavioral abnormalities
Usually dementia is more common after the age of 60 although it can occur in younger individuals.Take a second opinion from a Neurologist or a Psychiatrist who will be able to evaluate him thoroughly with extensive Cognitive testing & Neurological examination.
One of the explanations why the doctors find his examination normal when the history is suggestive of Dementia could be he has mild dementia, high intelligence or education or depression.
Considering his relative young age an imaging of the Brain with CT or MRI is indicated. This will help rule out other causes like a slow growing tumor or other intracranial pathology like Normal pressure hydrocephalus or a subdural hematoma(although the last two are less likely).
The commonest cause of Dementia is Alzheimers Disease while other causes are Frontotemporal dementia,Dementia with Lewy bodies,Vascular dementia etc.
Hope this helps. Kindly get back if you need further assistance.
Regards
Your dad has features of Dementia which are
1)Impaired Memory
2)Apraxia(difficulty performing learned motor tasks.eg operating oven or microwave in your dads case)
3)Speech abnormality like Word finding
4)Behavioral abnormalities
Usually dementia is more common after the age of 60 although it can occur in younger individuals.Take a second opinion from a Neurologist or a Psychiatrist who will be able to evaluate him thoroughly with extensive Cognitive testing & Neurological examination.
One of the explanations why the doctors find his examination normal when the history is suggestive of Dementia could be he has mild dementia, high intelligence or education or depression.
Considering his relative young age an imaging of the Brain with CT or MRI is indicated. This will help rule out other causes like a slow growing tumor or other intracranial pathology like Normal pressure hydrocephalus or a subdural hematoma(although the last two are less likely).
The commonest cause of Dementia is Alzheimers Disease while other causes are Frontotemporal dementia,Dementia with Lewy bodies,Vascular dementia etc.
Hope this helps. Kindly get back if you need further assistance.
Regards
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