Overview

Memory disorders result from a wide range of ailments and causes, including injury, stroke, tumors, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases commonly associated with, but not limited to, the elderly.

Almost everyone of any age experiences occasional minor, routine memory lapses. People who suffer from memory disorders often experience progressive memory loss and chronic forgetfulness, especially of recent events.

As memory disorders progress, typically people begin to exhibit confusion or dementia. Dementia, a decline in the ability to think, reason, or remember, is accompanied by behavioral changes. Dementia sufferers may forget how to perform routine, everyday tasks, fail to recognize friends and family, and become increasingly alienated socially and emotionally.

There are many causes and types of dementia, including Multi-infarct dementia, Parkinson ’s disease, Lewy Body dementia, and Fronto-temporal dementia. 

Other possible causes of dementia include vitamin deficiency, infections, and thyroid abnormalities.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Because memory disorders result from such a wide range of causes, accurate diagnosis is extremely helpful. While some diseases, such as hypertension or stroke, are relatively easy to diagnose, others such as Alzheimer’s can only be diagnosed with absolute certainty postmortem. The goal is to identify all treatable causes of memory disorders and dementia.

Many of the diagnostic tools and techniques we use routinely to diagnose neurological disorders can be used to diagnose memory disorders. Patients receive a thorough neurological exam, and may undergo a CT or MRI as part of their evaluation. Patients may also be evaluated by a neuropsychologist. Because memory disorders and dementia can also be induced by medications, we ask patients to bring a list of all medications, including over-the-counter and herbal medications for review at the initial consultation.

There are now two FDA approved Alzheimer’s treatments; Aduhelm (Biogen) and the newly approved Leqembi (Eisai). These infused medications are disease-modifying therapies; not a cure.

Dent is committed to working aggressively with everyone in the community, including primary care physicians, geriatricians, the Alzheimer’s Association, insurance companies, and other experts and stakeholders to ensure a smooth process for screening and treatment.
 
If you are interested in these therapies and are a patient at DENT, please message your provider through your patient portal to see if this could be a treatment option for you. 

Please continue to visit this page to stay up to date with the latest information.

Memory Disorders Support Group

We are here to support he patient and family in caring for someone afflicted with this challenging disease. Our team works closely with the Alzheimer’s Association in hosting a Memory Disorders Support Group.

DENT Sterling Medical Center – Orchard Park

2nd Thursday of every month

6:00-8:00pm

DENT Tower 3980 Sheridan Drive – Amherst

2nd Tuesday of every month

6:00-8:00pm

For more information about the Memory Disorders Support Group call The Western New York Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900