The Memory Clinic
Memory complaints are a common problem. Although memory complaints can affect all ages, they are more common in older people, and the aging of the Australian population means that memory problems will become an increasingly important clinical issue. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for effective management. Early recognition and treatment may prevent further memory deterioration and can restore memory to previous levels of function.
Memory problems can be due to many causes. Normal aging, anxiety,stress, depression, early onset of dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), mini strokes, Parkinson’s disease, both prescribed, recreational(alcohol) and illicit (cannabis) drug use, brain infections/inflammation/tumors, epilepsy, head trauma, sleep apnoea, vitamin deficiencies, heavy metal or carbon monoxide poisoning, and thyroid and other physical diseases can produce memory loss. In addition to the more common Alzheimer’s disease, other degenerative brain disorders can produce memory problems. These conditions include vascular dementia,normal-pressure hydrocephalus, Huntington’s disease, frontal-temporal dementia (Pick’s disease), Lewy body dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, and Wilson’s disease.
Accurate diagnosis is important as some of these conditions will resolve with appropriate treatment. Even in situations where cure is not possible,prevention of further deterioration and enhancement of remaining function will be an important goal of therapy. Education of the patient and family is a crucial part of the management plan.
