Diseases of memory and cognitive functioning are common and often effect people at an elderly age. Changes in memory and cognitive awareness could be signs of a memory disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease, or AD. There are many types of neurodegenerative disorders that affect people in different ways.
There are also other reasons that people may have cognitive decline and problems with memory that come from a different condition or are reversible. These include vitamin deficiency, infections, autoimmune diseases, sleep problems, and depression and other mood disorders.
Part of every evaluation for cognitive decline or memory disorders is a complete history from the patient and sometimes loved ones around them. Blood tests and imaging may also be part of the workup.