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Dementia & Memory Disorders:
A Patient & Caregiver Guide
 Understanding memory and thinking changes, how dementia is evaluated, treatment and support options, safety considerations, and ways families and caregivers can help.
What Are Dementia & Memory Disorders?
Understanding Memory Changes:
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Changes in memory can happen for many reasons. Some changes are part of normal aging, while others may be caused by medications, sleep problems, mood changes, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, infections, or neurological conditions.
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Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is a general term describing changes in memory, thinking, reasoning, language, or behavior that become significant enough to interfere with everyday activities and independence.
 Memory concerns deserve evaluation. New or worsening memory or thinking changes should be discussed with a healthcare provider—especially when they begin affecting medications, finances, driving, appointments, communication, or other everyday activities.
Different Types of Dementia:
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Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but dementia can have several causes. Other types include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.
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Some people may have more than one contributing condition.
Symptoms and progression can vary considerably depending on the underlying cause. A thorough evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to the changes and identify potentially treatable conditions.
 COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
 Memory & Thinking Changes
 Daily Activities & Judgment
 Mood, Behavior & Personality
A person may experience increasing forgetfulness, repeating questions, difficulty learning new information, losing track of dates or appointments, trouble finding words, or difficulty solving familiar problems.
These changes are more concerning when they begin interfering with everyday activities.
Dementia may make familiar tasks increasingly difficult. A person may have trouble managing medications or finances, preparing meals, driving safely, using familiar devices, following instructions, or making decisions.
Increasing dependence on others for activities that were previously managed independently may be an important sign.
Changes can also involve apathy, anxiety, irritability, depression, suspiciousness, agitation, social withdrawal, sleep changes, or changes in personality and behavior.
Some types of dementia may also cause visual hallucinations, changes in movement, or significant changes in language or behavior.
 One symptom alone does not mean someone has dementia. The pattern of symptoms, how they have changed over time, and how much they affect everyday functioning are important parts of the evaluation.
 How Are Memory Problems & Dementia Evaluated?
01
 Medical History & Daily Function
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 Cognitive & Neurological Testing
Your healthcare provider will ask about memory, thinking, mood, behavior, medications, sleep, medical history, and changes in everyday activities.
Information from a family member or caregiver can be especially helpful in understanding when changes began and how they have progressed.
Brief cognitive assessments such as the MoCA or MMSE may be used to evaluate memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities.
A neurological examination may also evaluate strength, coordination, reflexes, walking, balance, speech, and other neurological functions. The healthcare provider will also review medications for possible effects on memory or alertness.
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 Laboratory Testing
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 Blood tests may be ordered to look for conditions that can contribute to cognitive changes. Testing may include thyroid function, vitamin B12, blood counts, metabolic testing, and other studies based on the person's medical history.
MRI or CT of the brain may be used to look for strokes, structural abnormalities, patterns of brain volume loss, or other possible causes of symptoms.
When appropriate, additional evaluation may include formal neuropsychological testing, specialized imaging, sleep evaluation, or other diagnostic studies.
 Brain Imaging & Additional Testing
 There is no single test that diagnoses every type of dementia. Diagnosis is based on the overall pattern of symptoms, cognitive and functional changes, examination findings, and appropriate testing.
 How Are Dementia & Memory Disorders Treated?
 Medications & Medical Care
 Support Brain & Daily Function
 Safety & Caregiver Support
Treatment depends on the type and cause of dementia. Certain medications may help manage cognitive symptoms in some people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
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Newer disease-modifying treatments may be appropriate for carefully selected patients with early Alzheimer’s disease after specialized evaluation and testing. Other medications may be used to address mood, sleep, or behavioral symptoms when appropriate.
Regular physical activity, social engagement, good nutrition, adequate sleep, and management of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and hearing loss can support overall brain and physical health.
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Establishing routines, using calendars and reminders, and simplifying everyday tasks can also help a person maintain independence for as long as possible.
As memory and judgment change, families may need to consider medication management, driving safety, fall prevention, home safety, financial oversight, and advance care planning.
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Caregivers are an important part of the care team and should also have access to education, respite, community resources, and support.
 Treatment is about more than memory.
Good dementia care focuses on the person's health, independence, safety, quality of life, and the needs of the family and caregivers supporting them.
Understanding the Diagnosis
01
Potentially Treatable Causes
02
 Cognitive & Neurological Testing
Your healthcare provider will ask about memory, thinking, mood, behavior, medications, sleep, medical history, and changes in everyday activities.
Information from a family member or caregiver can be especially helpful in understanding when changes began and how they have progressed.
Brief cognitive assessments such as the MoCA or MMSE may be used to evaluate memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities.
A neurological examination may also evaluate strength, coordination, reflexes, walking, balance, speech, and other neurological functions. The healthcare provider will also review medications for possible effects on memory or alertness.
03
 Laboratory Testing
04
 Blood tests may be ordered to look for conditions that can contribute to cognitive changes. Testing may include thyroid function, vitamin B12, blood counts, metabolic testing, and other studies based on the person's medical history.
MRI or CT of the brain may be used to look for strokes, structural abnormalities, patterns of brain volume loss, or other possible causes of symptoms.
When appropriate, additional evaluation may include formal neuropsychological testing, specialized imaging, sleep evaluation, or other diagnostic studies.
 Brain Imaging & Additional Testing
 There is no single test that diagnoses every type of dementia. Diagnosis is based on the overall pattern of symptoms, cognitive and functional changes, examination findings, and appropriate testing.
Memory and thinking changes can have many causes. Some are temporary or treatable, while others are related to progressive neurological conditions. A careful evaluation helps determine what may be contributing to the symptoms and guides the next steps in care.
Living Well With Memory Changes
​Small changes in daily routines and the home environment can help support independence, reduce frustration, and improve quality of life for people experiencing memory or thinking changes.
 CREATE ROUTINE
Keep Things Familiar
A predictable daily routine can make everyday activities easier to manage. Try to keep meals, medications, appointments, bedtime, and regular activities on a consistent schedule.
 USE MEMORY SUPPORTS
Make Remembering Easier
Use calendars, written reminders, labeled storage areas, medication organizers, clocks, and other visual cues to reduce the amount of information a person must remember independently.
 STAY CONNECTED
 Encourage safe physical activity, social interaction, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and meaningful activities the person enjoys. Staying engaged can support overall health and quality of life.
 Focus on what the person can still do.
The goal is to support independence for as long as safely possible while gradually adding assistance as needs change.
 Safety & Independence
Create a Safer Environment
Reduce clutter and fall hazards, improve lighting, secure medications, and consider safety devices for appliances, doors, and stairs. Regularly reassess the home as abilities change.
HOME SAFETY
MEDICATIONS
Keep Medications Organized
Memory problems can lead to missed or repeated doses. Pill organizers, written schedules, alarms, automated dispensers, or caregiver supervision may help medications stay on track.
Watch for Changes Behind the Wheel
Getting lost on familiar routes, new accidents, traffic violations, slow reactions, or difficulty judging distance may signal that driving should be reassessed. Discuss concerns with the healthcare provider.
DRIVING
WANDERING & GETTING LOST
Plan Before It Happens
Some people with dementia may become confused about their surroundings or leave home unexpectedly. Consider identification information, door alerts, location technology, and a family plan for responding quickly.
