Memory Loss and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for the majority of cases in the elderly. The United States Preventive Services Task Force has emphasized the necessity of carefully assessing older adults presenting with cognitive or cognitive-related functional complaints. Primary care physicians often do not recognize cognitive impairment in the brief time available during an office visit, and a significant number of patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment are not diagnosed. A definitive diagnosis of dementia allows patients and family members the opportunity for discussions about desired future care, financial and legal planning, and early lifestyle interventions, and the use of mnemo-active (memory-enhancing) medications and their monitoring. In some cases, diagnosis enables referral for clinical trials.