Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does Lapses In Memory Indicate Dementia?
Question: My brother has been experiencing lapses of memory for the last 6 months. He said he will be driving and has went several miles and then it occurs he is at a certain location and doesn't remember driving to that point. He is 65 yrs. old and is otherwise good health. Is this dementia or what could it possibly be. He has made a doctors appt.
Brief Answer:
Could be a start of dementia
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query.
I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
Dementia is a continuous memory impairment but many times it is noticed that it starts with such memory lapses and then gradually proceeds to be continuous. It would be wise to get an MRI brain done and also get a formal memory test done. This will help us in identifying the dementia. If found, it would be better to treat it early. Donepezil and memantine are the two drugs found useful in these conditions. I generally prefer donepezil at 5 mg in the initial stages. These medicines may improve the memory, but if not atleast keep the memory impairment stable and will not let it worsen fast.
Do meet your doctor and discuss these issues, get the testing done and start the medicines.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy
Wish you good health,
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.
Could be a start of dementia
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query.
I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
Dementia is a continuous memory impairment but many times it is noticed that it starts with such memory lapses and then gradually proceeds to be continuous. It would be wise to get an MRI brain done and also get a formal memory test done. This will help us in identifying the dementia. If found, it would be better to treat it early. Donepezil and memantine are the two drugs found useful in these conditions. I generally prefer donepezil at 5 mg in the initial stages. These medicines may improve the memory, but if not atleast keep the memory impairment stable and will not let it worsen fast.
Do meet your doctor and discuss these issues, get the testing done and start the medicines.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy
Wish you good health,
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
