Learning About Memory and Cognitive Disorders

Disease education is an important part of the treatment process at Atlantic Health System Neuroscience's Memory and Cognitive Disorders Program.

View a list of memory loss questions that can help determine if a professional evaluation may be necessary >

Learn about some of the more common memory and neurodegenerative disorders:

Mild cognitive impairment (memory loss) symptoms

• Changes in memory that do not interfere with daily life
• Difficulty with problem solving or planning
• Changes in language and attention

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Alzheimer’s disease symptoms:

• Changes in mood and personality
  
• Changes in memory that affect daily life
• Confusion with time, place or navigation
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks

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Dementia with lewy bodies symptoms:

• Changes in cognition and attention
• Difficulty walking or moving more slowly or stiffly
• Trouble with sleep
• Visual hallucinations

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Frontotemporal dementia symptoms:

• Changes in personality, behavior or  judgment
• Lack of interest or drive
• Language or movement problems may develop later

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Primary progressive aphasia

• Difficultly in communication
• Changes in speech and language
• Difficultly with reading or writing
• Memory loss occurs later

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Normal pressure hydrocephalus symptoms:

• Changes in gait and balance
• Urinary incontinence
• Mild cognitive changes

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Vascular disease dementia

• Impaired judgement and decision making
• Decreased attention
• Changes in speech
• Memory is relatively spared

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In some cases, memory loss may also be caused by or associated with:

• Central nervous system infections
• Head trauma or concussion
• Brain tumors
• Movement disorders
• Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety or a severe emotional event
• Medication side effects and adverse drug interactions
• Alcohol
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes
• Vascular dementia from strokes