Geriatric Expert Dr. Ernestine Wright Discusses Memory Loss

A number of conditions -- not only Alzheimer's disease -- can cause memory loss in older adults.

Getting a prompt diagnosis and appropriate care is important. According to Ernestine A. Wright, M.D., FACP, a primary care doctor and geriatrics specialist with Mercy Personal Physicians Downtown Baltimore, some degree of memory problems, as well as a modest decline in other thinking skills, is a fairly common part of aging. But there's a difference between normal changes in memory and memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease.

"The early signs of memory loss that one should be concerned about are things like when people have conversation and repeat things and ask the same questions three times in a row," Dr. Wright said. "For example, it would be normal, perhaps, to forget your keys once in a while or forget the name of somebody that you just met, but it would be abnormal if you got lost taking a walk or driving around in the neighborhood where you've lived for 20 years."

There are tests to determine the degree of memory impairment and diagnose the cause. Dr. Wright noted that it is good to have a family member or friend with you to answer some questions based on observations.

To view Mercy primary care and geriatrics specialist Dr. Ernestine Wright’s interview regarding early signs of memory loss, click here.