Normal Age Changes or Something Else?
Some changes with memory and other cognitive functions are normal with age. For example, it is normal to forget the name of someone you have not seen recently, to forget grocery items if not written down, or to have to think about the date. It is normal for technology to take longer to learn and to have more difficulty multi-tasking. The brain is working. It just has more information to sort through and may not be as efficient as it once was.
Common experiences that may be a sign of abnormal age-related decline include:
- Frequent problems with thinking or memory that cause problems in daily life
- Frequently repeating questions
- Difficulty recalling recent conversations or events
- Difficulty remembering the month or the year
- Social discomfort related to difficulty finding words/expressing yourself or fear of forgetting
If you are concerned about your memory, talk to your doctor. He or she may conduct in-office screening, suggest considering a medication, and/or request further assessment.
Still concerned? Don’t wait. Early assessment is recommended.
If your doctor would like more information, or if you aren’t sure if your memory or thinking issues are normal, Dr. Laurin can help. Early assessment provides information as to whether changes are normal relative to age. If problems are found, assessment can assist in determining the nature of these changes, inform treatment, and help patients and families prepare for the future. Early assessment also provides a baseline for future evaluation, to detect even more subtle change through longitudinal evaluation.
Please note that as of May 2024, cognitive evaluations are being conducted at the Behavioral Health Clinic at Des Moines University (DMU; 3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines). Please call 515-271-1716 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Laurin for evaluation.
Assessment includes:
- 2-2.5 hours for in-person interview (patient and one close family member/friend) and testing at DMU
- Review of provided medical records
- Discussion of results (provided day of assessment and/or in 15-minute follow-up appointment)
- Evaluation report provided to you and your healthcare provider (within 2 weeks of evaluation)
- Availability of follow-up support and testing as needed (additional cost)