If your parent or other loved one is showing signs of memory loss or declining intellectual ability, talk to his or her doctor. It may be a normal part of aging, or it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

Though there is still no cure for this debilitating, fatal brain disease, medical treatment and specialized services can make life better for your loved one and your family.

Memory Evaluation at Thomson Memory Center

This evaluation can assist in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders that affect thinking.

Dr. Blodgett Dycus conducts a comprehensive memory/neuropsychological evaluation that includes paper and pencil and verbal tests. These assess different components of thinking including memory, attention, language, executive functioning (higher order thinking – for example, the ability to reason, organize, plan or problem solve) and others.

The test scores are compared to an average score matched for the individual’s age, level of education and at what level the patient should be functioning. A detailed report will be provided to you and your family member’s doctor.

A family feedback session gives you a chance to review the results of the evaluation and talk with Dr. Blodgett Dycus. She answers your questions, provides recommendations and contact information for appropriate resources for you and your loved one.

Alzheimer’s disease symptom checklist

These are the most common changes seen in people who have Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may:

• Be more easily distracted than usual.
• Find it difficult to “stay on task”.
• Ask the same questions over and over.
• Have problems making or keeping important appointments.
• Not remember recent conversations.
• Forget why he or she went into a room.
• Forget where things are in the kitchen.
• Have trouble recalling names of longtime acquaintances.
• Have trouble coming up with the right words in conversation.
• Have stopped reading.
• Mispronounce or use wrong words.
• Have deteriorating handwriting.
• Have difficulty driving.
• Become confused or disoriented in stores or malls.
• Have trouble finding the car in the parking lot.
• Get lost easily even on familiar routes.
• Show personality changes.
• Say or do embarrassing or inappropriate things in social situations.
• Have difficulties with hygiene / bathroom use.
• Have new problems at work or start to receive negative work evaluations.
• Have difficulties using household items.
• Have trouble dressing (two socks on one foot, puts shirt on backwards).
• Complain or show signs of blurred vision.
• Grope for door handles.
• Feel more down or depressed than before.
• Cry more often.
• Have a change in appetite or sleep patterns.

These symptoms do not mean your parent or loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, but they do warrant a discussion with your family member and/or his or her doctor. You may also schedule a consultation at Thomson Memory Center to learn more about evaluation for memory problems and forgetfulness. We’re here to help. Call: (847) 469-7537.