We’ve all forgotten where we put our car keys or forgotten the name of someone we met in passing. This level of forgetfulness is completely normal and happens from time to time. However, when memory lapses become more frequent or noticeable, especially as we age, there could be something more at play here.
Has your thinking felt less sharp? Have family members and friends noticed changes and commented on them? You may consider undergoing mild memory impairment testing in Michigan to help determine what’s going on. In some cases, testing may identify mild cognitive impairment (MCI). These are changes in memory or other thinking abilities that exceed expectations for a person’s age, but that don’t significantly interfere with everyday activities and independence.
When Should You Consider Memory Testing?
Rather than one specific symptom, be on the lookout for a pattern of changes that are new or more noticeable over time.
Do you?
- Frequently forget recent conversations, appointments or events?
- Ask the same questions over and over again?
- Have increasing difficulty finding familiar words?
- Struggle to follow instructions or keep track of multiple steps?
- Become unusually disorganized?
- Experience noticeable changes in attention or concentration?
- Find it more difficult to make decisions or solve familiar problems?
- Hear concerns about memory or thinking from family members?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may benefit from mild memory impairment testing from a licensed psychologist in Michigan. While some forgetfulness is common, the key lies in a change from the person’s previous level of functioning. There’s a difference between someone who misplaces their phone on occasion and someone who used to be sharp as a tack but is now forgetting important information they would normally remember.
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Mild cognitive impairment sits somewhere between cognitive changes associated with normal aging and the more significant impairment that comes with dementia.
A person with MCI can generally continue managing everyday activities independently. However, changes in memory, language, attention, reasoning or other cognitive skills may become more frequent.
Also, just because someone is diagnosed with MCI doesn’t necessarily mean they will develop dementia later on. Some can remain stable for years, while others either improve or experience further cognitive changes. This is why individualized evaluations and follow-up care appointments are so important.
What Does an MCI Evaluation Examine?
Memory is just one part of the cognitive function puzzle. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation can examine several areas to get a better idea of a person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
Testing can evaluate:
- Learning and memory
- Language abilities
- Visual-spatial abilities
- Processing speed
- Executive functioning, such as planning and problem-solving
- Attention and concentration
- Emotional and psychological functioning
The evaluation and testing one receives will depend on their symptoms, but can also incorporate a clinical interview and review of medical, educational or occupational history.
It’s important to note that testing is designed to identify patterns of cognitive functioning that can be used for diagnostic purposes, rather than just telling people they have a “good” or “bad” memory.
Why Get Tested?
There are several reasons for changes in memory and concentration, which is why a thorough, personalized evaluation is recommended. Not only can these results determine the nature and extent of cognitive changes, they can provide a baseline that can be compared later if symptoms change over time.
From there, your licensed psychologist can recommend additional medical evaluation, create helpful strategies for managing difficult areas, or provide guidance with other forms of support.
Contact CNLD Neuropsychology
If you have concerns about memory or cognitive functioning, contact CNLD Neuropsychology to schedule an evaluation at (734) 724-5548.
