Absentmindedness and forgetfulness increase as adults age, and these changes may be part of normal brain aging.  However, persistent memory problems, such as word finding difficulty or forgetting recent conversations, may indicate something more serious.  A memory diagnostic workup can determine whether memory loss is attributable to normal age-related changes in the brain or a neurodegenerative condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The following resources provide a guide for clinicians to communicate with older patients and evaluate them for suspected dementia.

• Working With Your Older Patient: A Clinician’s Handbook (ADEAR)
• Initial Evaluation of the Patient with Suspected Dementia (American Academy of Family Physicians)
• Diagnosis of Dementia (American Academy of Neurology)
• Management of Dementia (American Academy of Neurology)
  About Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease (Alzheimer’s Association)

The Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center offers memory diagnostic workups, medical treatment for memory loss, and support and consultation for long-term care planning and community resource referrals. Click here to learn more about the clinical care services available at our Center.

• Introduction
• Alzheimer's Disease Clinical & Research Program
• Boston University Neurology Associates
• Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital
  • GRECC Memory Diagnostic Clinic
  • GRECC Dementia Management Clinic
• Clinician & Provider Resources
  • About Alzheimer's Disease
  • Clinical Evaluation of Memory Loss
  • BU ADC Clinical Care Services
  • Clinical Trials and Research Participation
  • Assessment of the Elderly Driver
    • Video Presentation
  • Caregiver Support
• Patient, Family & Caregiver Resources
  • About Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Our Clinical Care Services
  • Other Forms of Dementia
  • Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Caregiving Resources
  • Home Safety
  • Driving and Dementia
  • Legal and Long Term Care Planning
  • National & Local Organizations