Memory Loss - Putting the Pieces Together

Do you often have trouble remembering things? Are you getting concerned because you seem to be misplacing things lately? Is it difficult to complete tasks that once were so familiar?

These are just a few of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s Disease affects as many as 10% of the population age 65 and older and 50% of people over 85 years of age. Research shows that individuals with memory disorders often delay seeking a diagnosis for three years. Yet, individuals with memory disorders can benefit from early intervention and treatment.

Beaver Dam Community Hospital, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, UW-Health, and Psychiatric Associates now offers the Memory Care Clinic. The Memory Care Clinic is dedicated to providing early, accurate diagnosis for individuals with memory loss, and support for their families, and caregivers.

Accurate Diagnosis
Memory loss may be caused by a number of different physical or emotional conditions. The purpose of the Memory Care Clinic is to provide a comprehensive evaluation in order to determine the cause of the memory loss. Individuals referred to the Memory Care Clinic will be seen by a physician for a medical evaluation and by a psychologist for memory testing. A social worker will meet with the individual’s family to obtain additional information that would help contribute to an accurate diagnosis. Lab work, CAT scans or other diagnostic studies may also be ordered.

Treatment
Certain types of memory loss are reversible and can be treated. Even with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia, rapid advances in research have produced some effective treatment options that may improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Resources
The Memory Care Clinic is an excellent resource for anyone seeking information about memory loss or memory disorders.