Memory Loss and Dementia Care in Inwood, NY
Forgetting a name now and then is normal. Memory problems that keep getting worse, or that make daily life harder, deserve a careful look. We evaluate memory and thinking problems, explain what we find in plain terms, and help families plan the next steps.
Signs we evaluate
Tell us if you or your family have noticed:
- Forgetting recent conversations or events, or asking the same questions again
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Trouble managing bills, cooking or other familiar tasks
- Trouble finding words or following a conversation
- New changes in personality, behavior or judgment
- Memory trouble along with changes in walking or bladder control
Causes of memory loss
Dementia is a general term for a decline in memory and thinking that affects daily life. It has several causes, and the cause shapes the plan. We evaluate:
- Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia, which often begins with trouble remembering recent events
- Frontotemporal dementia, which often begins with changes in behavior, personality or language
- Multi-infarct dementia, which follows a series of small strokes
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain that can affect walking, bladder control and thinking
- Other causes of memory trouble that may be treatable, such as thyroid problems, low vitamin B12, medicine side effects, depression, or poor sleep from sleep apnea
How we find the cause
We start with a detailed history and exam. We will ask when the changes began and how daily life has changed. We suggest bringing a family member or friend, since what they have noticed is often very helpful. Please bring all of your medicines, since some can affect memory.
Testing may include the following. Read about each test on our Tests We Do page.
- CNS Vital Signs: a computerized test of memory, attention and thinking that takes about 45 minutes and is available in multiple languages.
- Open MRI: brain imaging through Village Open MRI, a division of our practice, that can show signs of past strokes, fluid buildup or other changes.
Your care plan
We explain the diagnosis clearly and leave time for your questions and your family's. Depending on the cause, care may include treating conditions that affect memory, medicine when it is appropriate, and practical steps for safety, sleep and daily routines.
Memory care is long-term. Follow-up visits let us track changes and adjust the plan, and we keep your other doctors informed. If you already have a diagnosis and want a second opinion, we see patients for that too.
If you or a loved one would like to learn about research studies, visit our Alzheimer's research page or read about Five Towns Neuroscience Research.
When to see a neurologist
Memory loss or confusion that comes on suddenly, over hours or days, needs urgent medical care.
Otherwise, book a visit if:
- Memory or thinking changes are getting worse over time
- Family or friends have noticed changes you may not see yourself
- Driving, bills or medicines are getting harder to manage safely
- Memory problems come with new trouble walking or with bladder control
- Your primary doctor found a concern on a memory screening
- You want a second opinion about a dementia diagnosis
Insurance
We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Please see the plans we take, or call us to confirm your coverage.
Other conditions we treat
Visit Five Towns Neurology
Our office is at 233 Doughty Blvd, Inwood, NY 11096, in the Five Towns. Call (516) 239-1800. Hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm. We are closed on Saturday.
Allow at least 3 hours for your first visit. It includes a full history and physical exam, and testing is usually done the same day when possible. Bring your medications, past test results and MRIs, your insurance card, and a referral if your plan needs one. A family member or friend is welcome to come with you. Read about your first visit or contact us to book.