How Must Declining Short Term Memory In An Elderly Person Be Managed?

Posted on Fri, 13 Jul 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 14 Jul 2018 Answered on

Sat, 19 Nov 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a retired, female RN, age 72. My short term memory is declining, I have been studying and trying to learn/play bridge...I just gave that up. I cannot remember what I've read in a novel, I re-read a few pages
Until some of what I read yesterday. I also occasionally pause/hesitate trying to get a word out.
Last week I fell and hit my head, MD ordered CT Scan..no concussion but showed mild cortical atrophy.
Would this be an early form of Dementia/Alzheimer's? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Probably mild cognitive impairment.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

These symptoms indicate that there may be mild cognitive impairment, so, getting evaluated by neuropsychological tests and by your Neurologist is necessary.

This evaluation also should include conditions that may cause cerebrovascular diseases which may affect cognitive functions too.

Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee