Memory problems raise lots of questions

Q: My mom lives with us, and I know she’s developing memory problems. I can’t get her to go to the doctor and get tested. Does it matter? Is there anything they can do anyway?

Alice B., Seattle A: She’s lucky to have you as an advocate, even if she doesn’t recognize how valuable it is. Many older folks never get evaluated for cognition problems. Luckily, Medicare now provides a free annual checkup that includes evaluation of cognition, so perhaps you can arrange for that.

According to a new University of Michigan study, about 1.7 million Americans with cognition problems have not been evaluated or diagnosed. The study also found that only about 5 percent of folks with early memory problems get evaluated.

That’s too bad, because people with memory or cognition problems who don’t get diagnosed miss the opportunity to slow their decline and to participate in their own care decisions. Plus, you don’t get alerted to potential problems that might call for your intervention, such as management of her medications.

The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Center has demonstrated that memory training; nutrition, including DHA supplements; stress management; and intense supervised physical activity can help improve or reverse cognitive deficits.

Furthermore, vascular dementia, caused by mini strokes or blocked arteries to the brain, may be slowed by controlling blood pressure and reducing plaque buildup in the arteries with a proper diet and statins. These measures also address health issues that contribute to dementia, such as Type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

There are Alzheimer’s medications that slow progression of that disease for some people. Cholinesterase inhibitors can keep mild to moderate symptoms from becoming worse — for a limited amount of time. An N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist is available for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s symptoms and may extend certain abilities for several months.

There also are clinical trials that your mom might qualify for; check www.ClinicalTrials.gov.

So discuss this column with Mom, and arrange for that free annual checkup with a cognition evaluation. You’re handling things very wisely.

Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at

youdocsdaily@sharecare.com.