Memory disorders affect how your loved one remembers, thinks or processes information. These changes can happen slowly or show up after an illness or injury. Some memory changes stay mild, while others grow over time and affect daily tasks.

Not all memory loss means dementia. Stress, sleep problems, mood changes, infections, or side effects from medicine can also affect your loved one’s memory and thinking. A careful review of their health and medications can help sort out what’s causing the changes and what might help.

Calling attention to memory issues early is important. Being aware of these changes can help rule out causes, guide care choices, and give you time to plan and adjust. Clear answers often ease worry and help you feel more prepared.

Memory disorders are not all the same. Some cause mild changes that stay stable for years, while others slowly affect daily life. The type of memory disorder helps explain what changes to expect and what kind of support may help. A careful review helps tell the difference.

• Mild cognitive impairment: Early memory or thinking changes that go beyond normal aging but don’t disrupt daily life. Some people with mild cognitive impairment later develop dementia.
• Alzheimer’s disease: The most common cause of dementia. It often begins with memory loss and may later affect speech, judgment, and daily tasks.
• Vascular dementia: Thinking changes caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. This can follow a stroke or relate to health issues such as high blood pressure.
• Lewy body dementia: A memory disorder linked to protein buildup in the brain. Signs may include memory loss, sleep changes, visual hallucinations, and movement problems.
• Frontotemporal dementia: A group of disorders that often affects behavior, personality, or speech early on rather than memory.
• Other causes of memory loss: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus, or long-term alcohol use can also affect memory.

If you’re worried about your loved one’s memory as they age, the Center for Healthy Aging can help you figure out what’s happening and what to do next. In a one-day geriatric assessment visit, we do a careful review of your loved one’s health and memory issues. Caregivers take part, share concerns, and help shape next steps.

In turn, we’ll offer you clear guidance and support for decision-making and next steps. We also share our findings with your loved one’s primary care team. We’ll review our concerns with them and suggest next steps based on your loved one’s needs.

If your loved one has a memory disorder, we focus on their safety, daily life, and quality of life. Care depends on what’s causing the memory changes. It may include:

• Medicines: For certain memory disorders, medicines may help ease symptoms or slow changes.
• Support therapies: Occupational, physical, or speech therapy can support daily function. They help with doing tasks, moving around, speaking, and safety.
• Behavior and mood care: Memory disorders often come with mood changes. Our geriatric psychiatry clinic can help with anxiety, sleep changes, agitation, or low mood.
• Caregiver guidance: Education, tools, and planning support for you to help manage changes and reduce stress.
• Planning ahead: As needs change, we help you with decisions, planning, and care wishes.

Some people with memory loss benefit from getting care at home. Carilion Home Care offers support for daily needs, safety, and caregiver guidance. We have specific programs for Alzheimer’s disease.