| Services & Procedures
The Geriatric Medicine physicians at Pinehurst Medical Clinic are committed to providing expert diagnostic services and compassionate care for the full range of conditions affecting older adults. We offer the same diagnostic and therapeutic services provided by the Internal Medicine section. In addition, our Memory Disorders Clinic is dedicated to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide variety of problems and diseases related to memory.
While memory loss can be distressing, it is not always a symptom of dementia. In some cases, memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and behavior problems are due to a medical disorder, depression, drug side effects, or another treatable cause. Careful assessment is crucial to identifying the underlying cause of mental impairment. Even when memory loss and other problems are due to a progressive dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to address other medical conditions that may be contributing to difficulties in memory, thinking, or behavior.
At the Memory Disorders Clinic, we offer the following services:
Physical, social, and occupational assessment
A complete medical and family history, physical examination, and social and occupational assessment is the first step in determining the nature and extent of a patient’s problems with memory and thinking, especially in terms of how these problems are affecting relationships and functioning in daily life. Input from a spouse, partner, or caregiver may be helpful in evaluating the extent to which a patient’s memory, thinking, personality and/or behavior has changed over time.
Comprehensive neurological examination
This evaluation includes a physical examination to test reflexes, strength, motor skills, and gait. Questions will be asked to determine the presence and extent of memory loss and to identify problems with activities of daily living. Visual spatial ability, language skill, judgment, and insight will also be assessed.
Neuropsychologic testing
Neuropsychologic testing is an important component of the diagnostic process. The evaluation may include tests of memory, eye-hand coordination, and abilities to pay attention, concentrate, and use language. Neuropsychologic testing provides a baseline of memory and other cognitive abilities, emotion, and behavior. In some cases, test results may serve as the foundation for developing rehabilitative programs to address specific areas of concern. When repeated over time, these tests also help monitor the course of a dementia syndrome.
Diagnostic testing
The types of diagnostic tests ordered for an individual patient will depend in part on the findings from the physical examination, neurological assessment, and neuropsychologic testing. Laboratory tests may be helpful to identify or rule out nutritional deficiencies, metabolic abnormalities, or other medical problems. Neuroimaging tests may include computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. These state-of-the-art imaging tools provide detailed pictures of brain structure in a non-invasive way, helping the physician to make a more complete medical diagnosis.
Depression screening
In older adults, depression can cause symptoms of forgetfulness, confusion, disorientation, and distraction that resemble dementia. In fact, depression is very common among older adults and is sometimes misdiagnosed as a dementia syndrome. It can also coexist with a dementia syndrome, exacerbating problems with memory, concentration, and behavior. Screening for depression is an important part of a comprehensive evaluation for memory loss. When depression is present, it is also important to identify or rule out any medical condition (e.g., hypothyroidism) or medication that may be a culprit.
Treatment
Depending on the findings of the comprehensive assessment, treatment may include the use of medication, counseling for patients and families, and assistance with locating community-based resources. When appropriate, referral to a psychiatrist, neurologist, or other medical specialist will be made.
Information on this web site is provided
for informational purposes only.
It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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