How to Test for Memory Failure

It is a normal part of life to forget things such as an appointment or where your keys are, especially when you are tired or stressed. If you start to forget things that you have known for years such as the names of family members or how to get home, then it may be necessary to schedule an appointment with your doctor for memory testing. Testing is important in determining if the cause of your memory failure is due to conditions such as dementia, aging, nutritional deficiencies, infections or head trauma. Depending on your medical and family history, your doctor may order a blood test, MRI, CAT scan or a mental status test to determine the reasons for your memory loss.

Instructions

• 1

  Discuss with your doctor your medications and medical conditions that could contribute memory loss. Conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems, diabetes and heart problems can all affect the memory. Adjustments to medications may be necessary.

• 2

  Talk with your family about any history of Alzheimer's disease. You may need a prescription for a blood test to check for a genetic component for memory loss. APOE, or apolipoprotein, is one gene that is sometimes looked at, in conjunction with other tests, in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.

• 3

  Take a mental status test given by your doctor. These tests measure your orientation, attention span, recent and remote memory, word comprehension and judgment. The results will help in diagnosing memory failure.

• 4

  Get a doctor's order for a scan such as a CT, MRI or PET scan. A CT scan takes multiple X-rays from different angles of the brain; a MRI uses radio waves to take clear pictures of the brain and the body; and a PET scan gives specific, three-dimensional images of the brain, heart and organs. All these tests can be useful in determining reasons for memory failure, such as a blockage.

• 5

  Schedule an appointment with a therapist to discuss issues that could be affecting your memory. Addiction to drugs, alcohol or smoking can affect the memory over time. Life-changing events such as a death, divorce or a terminal illness can impair memory. Talking with a therapist can help cope with these situations and improve the memory.