Memory Loss and Cognitive Changes: When Should You See a Neurologist?

Forgetful moments happen to everyone, but what if memory lapses become more frequent? 

At Link Integrated Healthcare — with locations in Oxnard, Santa Barbara and Camarillo, California —   our neurology specialists evaluate memory loss and other cognitive changes to determine what may be behind them. Sometimes, the cause is a neurological condition. Other times, a treatable health issue may be contributing to your symptoms.

Below, we explain when you should see a neurologist for memory loss or cognitive changes.

What’s normal forgetfulness and what isn’t?

Your memory can change somewhat as you get older. It may take longer to recall a name or remember where you put something. Stress, poor sleep, or even simply having too much on your mind can also make you feel more forgetful.

The bigger concern isn’t usually an isolated memory lapse. It’s a pattern of cognitive changes that begins interfering with everyday life.

Cognition includes more than memory. It also affects your ability to:

• Think
• Communicate
• Concentrate
• Solve problems
• Make decisions

That means a neurological problem may show up in ways you don’t immediately recognize as “memory loss.”

7 signs it’s time to see a neurologist for memory loss

It may be time to see a neurologist here at Link Integrated Healthcare if:

1. You’re forgetting recently learned information

Forgetting an appointment but remembering it later differs from repeatedly forgetting recent conversations or events.

You might ask the same question several times without realizing it, forget plans someone just told you about, or increasingly depend on family members to remember information you previously managed yourself.

2. Familiar tasks have become more difficult

Cognitive changes can affect your ability to complete activities you’ve performed successfully for years.

Examples of this might look like:

• Following a familiar recipe has suddenly become confusing
• You have difficulty paying bills you’ve always managed
• You get lost while driving somewhere you know well 
• You struggle to remember the steps involved in an everyday task 

These changes can be particularly important because they suggest that memory or thinking difficulties are beginning to affect your independence.

3. You’re struggling to find words or follow conversations

Everyone occasionally has a word on the tip of their tongue.

That said, if you frequently lose your train of thought or have trouble following a conversation, let’s talk.

4. Your judgment, behavior, or personality has changed

Sometimes family members notice cognitive changes before the person does. You may begin making decisions that are out of character, become unusually impulsive, withdraw from activities you once enjoyed, or even show changes in mood or behavior.

Not every personality or behavioral change signals a neurological disorder. Depression, anxiety, medications, sleep problems, and other conditions can affect how you think and behave, too.  

5. Your memory problems are getting progressively worse … not better

Sometimes a good night of sleep is enough to refresh your memory. However, if you’re becoming noticeably more forgetful over several months, having increasing difficulty concentrating, or relying more heavily on other people to manage everyday responsibilities, don’t simply assume it’s a normal part of aging.

6. You’ve recently sustained a brain injury

Sometimes memory loss and cognitive changes aren’t related to aging. Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, can cause memory loss, cognitive changes, and even mood swings.

7. You’re not sure what’s causing your memory loss

Memory loss can be associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, but there are many other possible causes of cognitive changes.

Medication side effects, depression, sleep disorders, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, infections, alcohol use, and other medical conditions can affect memory and thinking. Some of these causes may be treatable or reversible.

What happens during a neurological evaluation?

Your Link Integrated Healthcare neurologist asks about the changes you’ve noticed, when they began, whether they’re progressing, your medications, medical history, family history, and how your symptoms are affecting everyday life. Input from a spouse, adult child, or another person who knows you well can also be helpful.

Your evaluation may include a neurological examination and cognitive testing to assess areas such as:

• Memory
• Attention span
• Language
• Problem-solving

Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend additional testing, such as blood work or brain imaging, to look for potential causes.

Integrated care can help us look beyond your brain

Not every cause of memory loss begins with the brain itself. For example, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, medication effects, and other health problems can contribute to cognitive symptoms. That’s one advantage of receiving care through Link Integrated Healthcare.

In addition to specialized neurology care, our primary care team can evaluate other aspects of your health that may be affecting how you think and feel. 

Don't wait for memory changes to become severe

Call Link Integrated Healthcare today to schedule a neurological evaluation if you or someone you love has noticed persistent or worsening memory changes.

You can also use our “Request an Appointment” Button to get started.