Page 26 - The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss and Enhance Memory Power

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the early signs of subtle to mild memory loss because most are not very skilled at testing for it.
NEUROLOGISTS are physicians trained in the diagnosis and evaluation of neurological
disorders such as stroke and multiple sclerosis. They are generally good at identifying early
signs of memory loss. However, only some neurologists have developed expertise in diagnosing
and treating memory disorders.
PSYCHIATRISTS have a medical degree and specialize in the treatment of mental disorders.
They are excellent at identifying causes such as depression underlying memory loss. However,
like most neurologists, most psychiatrists are not skilled at diagnosing and treating memory
disorders.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGISTS have a Ph.D. and not a medical degree. They are expert at
administering tests of cognitive function, including memory, and interpreting the test results as
normal or abnormal. They usually work in collaboration with a primary care physician,
neurologist, or psychiatrist.

Where to Go for Help

Some doctors still advise their patients not to worry, that memory loss is just part of growing old and
can't be helped. Clearly, they have not kept up with the latest developments that show how memory
loss can be reversed or at least slowed down.

If you have severe memory loss then you should see a doctor. In our specialty center, neurologists,
psychiatrists, and neuropsychologists work closely together, using a team approach. Until the
average physician gets better at recognizing the types and causes of memory loss, your best option is
to go to one of these specialized academic medical centers that employs a team approach. There are
now a large number of these centers serving virtually every major urban, and even semiurban, area in
the United States (listed in the appendix). If you do not have ready access to one of these centers,
consult a neurologist or psychiatrist, or your primary care physician. Inquire if they have experience
in diagnosing and treating memory loss and dementia.

If you have no memory loss, or mild memory loss not due to a specific reversible cause, you
probably do not need to consult any physician and can go ahead with learning about and
implementing the Memory Program in this book. But to identify exactly where you