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How should you go about getting a diagnosis for memory loss?

Rit asked...

For the past two years I have watched my husband have a hard time with short term memory issues. He ahs had some cognitive issues also. His supervisor has told him that he has noticed him having problems with short term memory. FINALLY he has gone to the DR for this. His bollod came back great. He is very healthy, his MRI came back normal. Now what? I know something is wrong. I don't know what. What else does one do to get a diagnosis?

Expert Answer

Joanne Koenig Coste is a nationally recognized expert on Alzheimer's care and an outspoken advocate for patient and family care. She is the author of Learning to Speak Alzheimer's. Also, she currently is in private practice as an Alzheimer's family therapist. Ms. Koenig Coste also serves as President of Alzheimer Consulting Associates, implementing state-of-the-art Alzheimer care throughout the United States.

Diagnosing a memory problem is a complex task and involves specific psychological and neurologic testing. In the early stages of progressive neurological disease such as Alzheimer's, blood work is generally done to rule out underlying medical causes for the change in his memory and cognition. The results of the MRI may be different in another year. Meanwhile, you are quite right in assuming that his symptoms need to be diagnosed - SOMETHING is causing these changes that are so obvious to you and others. Contact your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association to find the best diagnostic center near you and do have a complete neuro-exam scheduled for your hubby. The sooner a person is diagnosed, the sooner a treatment plan can begin for whatever is causing these changes. Please take care of you.