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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Memory Impairment

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Posted on Thu, 9 Apr 2015
Question: I am looking for a specialist in diagnosing the type of memory impairment of a friend whose family thinks he needs a conservator, i.e. me. Should I take him to a neurologist or a psychiatrist? LA, XXXXXXX Redondo Beach, or Westwood, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX areas OK. Looking for the best. Thank you. What sort of evaluation or testing is called for. Have brain scans.
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
He should undergo evaluation for dementia

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic

I can understand your concern. At the age you have mentioned memory impairment and cognitive decline is common. Mild decline in cognitive functions can be observed in a lot of individuals after 60-65 years of age. Both Neurologist and Psychiatrist can help you in such symptoms. There are many good neuro psychiatrists present in the areas you have mentioned and you can take advise from either of them.

For evaluation of his cognitive decline MMSE or XXXXXXX mental status examination can be done. It is an objective and quick test for diagnosing early stages of dementia and memory impairment.

He should also undergo brain scan (MR imaging preferably). This can find and rule out any atrophic changes in brain with advancing age. Complete blood work up should be done to find any metabolic cause.

He has been prescribed Namenda, which consists of Memantin. The drug is a good drug for memory impairment and this slows down the cognitive decline. Continue to give him medicines till he gets reevaluation by a doctor. Brain stimulation games like Sudoku or Crossword results in improvement of such symptoms.

Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Memory Impairment

Brief Answer: He should undergo evaluation for dementia Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic I can understand your concern. At the age you have mentioned memory impairment and cognitive decline is common. Mild decline in cognitive functions can be observed in a lot of individuals after 60-65 years of age. Both Neurologist and Psychiatrist can help you in such symptoms. There are many good neuro psychiatrists present in the areas you have mentioned and you can take advise from either of them. For evaluation of his cognitive decline MMSE or XXXXXXX mental status examination can be done. It is an objective and quick test for diagnosing early stages of dementia and memory impairment. He should also undergo brain scan (MR imaging preferably). This can find and rule out any atrophic changes in brain with advancing age. Complete blood work up should be done to find any metabolic cause. He has been prescribed Namenda, which consists of Memantin. The drug is a good drug for memory impairment and this slows down the cognitive decline. Continue to give him medicines till he gets reevaluation by a doctor. Brain stimulation games like Sudoku or Crossword results in improvement of such symptoms. Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.