MEMORY PROBLEMS COME FROM MANY SOURCES

One of the major functions of the brain is storing information. There are 4 different types of memory and each type is reflected in one of these activities (1) making a telephone call (2) remembering what you had for dinner last evening (3) riding a bicycle and (4) remembering the name of your first pet (e.g. 'Fido'). Although the technical names for these memory types have changed over the years, they represent working memory, short-term memory, procedural memory and declarative memory. Each form of memory is quite different  and involves different brain chemicals and geography.  The problems with memory may be age-related and normal, but other forms of memory disturbance may be an earlier signal of underlying disease. For example,  word-finding problems are the most common "memory complaint" in adults age 55 and older, and are not a trajectory toward more severe memory disorders in the future. Most persons with depressions or on certain medications experience memory problems but this is also not a trajectory for dementia. 

The following is a partial list of conditions which can produce distinct memory disorders: Cardiac Transplant, Parkinsons Disease, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Head Injury, Vascular Dementia, Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, Alzheimers Dementia, Chronic Alcohol and Drug Abuse, HIV, Lyme Disease, Normal Aging, Medications Effects, Gender Differences in Memory.  Many of these conditions has a unique "signature"  which can be identified through the pattern of memory deficits  observed with neuropsychological testing-which can help rule out concerns about more severe forms of memory loss.

Movement Disorders Information: We maintain a referral relationship with The Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix,Arizona.  The Barrow Institute sponsers the Muhammad Ali Movement Disorders Clinic. This renowned program offers state of the art evaluations of movement disorders and maintains a registry.  We can facilitate patients' participation on the Registry, provide referral information and other information pertaining to movement disorders.