When Forgetfulness Becomes a Memory Concern

We all forget where we put our car keys, the time of our next dentist appointment or other seemingly simple pieces of information every once in a while. If forgetfulness starts to affect your daily living, though, Prevea Health's Memory Disorders Clinic can help distinguish memory loss related to aging from memory disorders due to other concerns.

Many factors affect your memory, and the clinic provides comprehensive evaluations to help determine if memory loss is the result of dementias, attention disorders, mental health problems, medical conditions or other issues.

"Not all memory problems should be dismissed as a normal part of aging," says Casey Smet, PhD., neuropsychologist at Prevea Health.  "Early detection is essential for appropriate treatment and for making appropriate decisions about future care. Many treatments are most beneficial at the onset and early stages of impairment." 

The neuropsychologist  uses patient and family interviews and a three-hour psychometric testing session to help determine the cause of the patient's memory problems. The evaluation emphasizes memory assessment and screening of other cognitive abilities (for example, attention and problem solving). It involves paper-and-pencil tasks along with computerized or oral testing. About two weeks after the evaluation, staff members discuss test results and recommendations with the patient at a feedback session.

To learn more about the Memory Disorders Clinic at the Prevea Allouez Health Center, 1821 S. Webster Ave., Green Bay, call (920) 272-1610 or (888) 2PREVEA.