Talk to Your Primary Care Provider About Memory Issues

We all forget things sometimes. Maybe we misplace our keys, or forget the name of someone we’ve just been introduced to. These lapses are fairly common, and can be a normal aspect of aging. So at what point should you be concerned that memory changes might be symptoms that you should talk about with your Primary Care Provider?

A big difference between normal memory changes and concerning symptoms is that typical age-related memory loss shouldn’t interfere with everyday life—your ability to live independently, manage your finances, work, or interact with others. As soon as you notice that memory issues are making everyday life difficult, it's time to talk to your Primary Care Provider.

Don’t wait—make an appointment as soon as possible.

When you share your concerns with your provider, they’ll probably ask questions about your daily life and experiences. It’s a good idea to bring a close family member or friend to the appointment—their observations along with your own could help the provider get a clear understanding of your symptoms.

Along with these questions, your provider might give you a physical exam and guide you through some tests to evaluate your memory and thinking. Based on their observations, they may decide that you would benefit from a specialized diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

Your provider might refer you to Georgia Memory Net for an accelerated, accurate diagnosis. You can help by bringing a Georgia Memory Net referral form for your Primary Care Provider's consideration.

Why get a diagnosis? It’s not uncommon for people to hide their memory loss or to ignore it. But getting a diagnosis as soon as possible is always the right next step. Diagnosis might reveal a reversible cause of memory loss and help you get the proper treatment. Even if the cause isn’t curable, appropriate treatment can still help you manage symptoms, create a future plan, access new therapies, or join clinical trials. Georgia Memory Net can also connect families with community resources and organizations that can support you on your journey.

We know getting a diagnosis can be challenging. But it’s the first step to appropriate treatment, clarity, and support. Don’t ignore memory issues. Make that appointment with your Primary Care Provider today.