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Does Trouble With Short Term Memory Indicate Alzheimer's?
Posted on
Fri, 21 Nov 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 21 Nov 2014
Answered on
Mon, 15 Dec 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello. I'm looking at a report for someone that says she was diagnosed with "gradual onset trouble with short-term memory." Could you translate that into English for me? Does that mean Alzheiomer's?
Brief Answer:
possible Alzheimer disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
The memory impairment is an important part of neurology as a discipline. While memory is a complex process and not fully understood, memory impairments, aka amnesia, has been widely studied and classified.
In your concerning case I can deduct from the report that progressive short term memory impairment is the general term of the first symptom which leads to Alzheimer disease diagnosis. Since this disease involves the global cognitive faculties, including memory, it is difficult to be 100% sure that the report means Alzheimer disease. In other words Alzheimer ds is not defined only by memory impairment but after several detailed neuropsychological tests and sometimes even an MRI is needed.
Still, the first symptom to show in case of Alzheimer is progressive short term memory impairment. So, the first thing to rule out in such eventuality is Alzheimer disease.
Hope this answers your question, I wish your relative good health.
possible Alzheimer disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
The memory impairment is an important part of neurology as a discipline. While memory is a complex process and not fully understood, memory impairments, aka amnesia, has been widely studied and classified.
In your concerning case I can deduct from the report that progressive short term memory impairment is the general term of the first symptom which leads to Alzheimer disease diagnosis. Since this disease involves the global cognitive faculties, including memory, it is difficult to be 100% sure that the report means Alzheimer disease. In other words Alzheimer ds is not defined only by memory impairment but after several detailed neuropsychological tests and sometimes even an MRI is needed.
Still, the first symptom to show in case of Alzheimer is progressive short term memory impairment. So, the first thing to rule out in such eventuality is Alzheimer disease.
Hope this answers your question, I wish your relative good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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