Evaluating Memory and Thinking Problems

The Basics

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate пїЅ пїЅ

What does "evaluating memory and thinking problems " пїЅ mean? " пїЅ It means checking your memory and thinking. An "evaluation " пїЅ is another word for a check-up or test. пїЅ пїЅ

Your doctor might do an evaluation if you or your family has noticed that you are having problems with your memory or thinking, or doing daily activities. пїЅ пїЅ

An evaluation can show: пїЅ пїЅ

If you have memory or thinking problems " пїЅ It is normal for adults to have slight memory problems as they get older. But some people have memory or thinking problems that are more serious.
The types of problems you have, and how serious they are

An evaluation might also show whats causing your problems. Different conditions can cause memory and thinking problems. пїЅ пїЅ

Some people have only 1 evaluation. Other people have repeat evaluations to see if their problems get worse over time. пїЅ пїЅ

What does an evaluation involve? " пїЅ An evaluation involves different parts. You might have all of the parts in 1 day, or it might take a few days to do all the parts. The different parts include: пїЅ пїЅ

Talking with your doctor or nurse " пїЅ Your doctor or nurse will talk with you and your family about your symptoms, behavior, and daily activities. He or she will ask about changes in your symptoms and behavior. He or she will also ask about your medical problems, medicines, and drug and alcohol use.
A physical exam
Tests for your memory and thinking " пїЅ The doctor or nurse will ask some questions to check your memory and thinking. For example, he or she might tell you 3 words and have you remember them for a few minutes. You might also see another person for more detailed testing.
Blood tests " пїЅ These tests can check for other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
A CT or MRI scan of your brain " пїЅ These are imaging tests that can create pictures of your brain. Not everyone needs a brain scan. Whether or not you have a brain scan depends on your symptoms and physical exam.

Why is it important to have an evaluation? " пїЅ It's important to have an evaluation because some memory and thinking problems can be treated. After treatment, the symptoms will often get better. пїЅ пїЅ

On the other hand, some memory or thinking problems can't be treated. Knowing this is helpful, too. For example, if you know that your problems might affect certain daily tasks or activities, then you can get help for those tasks or activities. Plus, if you know that your condition is not likely to improve, you and your family can make plans for the future. пїЅ пїЅ

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ

Topic 16836 Version 2.0 пїЅ пїЅ

Release: 22.8 - C22.208 пїЅ пїЅ

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Evaluating Memory and Thinking Problems

The Basics

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

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