Memory loss & cognitive decline
Memory that slips and words that take longer to find.
Names go missing, and words stall mid-sentence. Mild forgetfulness is often a normal part of aging, though memory problems can also come from medication side effects, sleep problems, depression or other medical conditions. A provider can order tests to find the cause, and treatment depends on what they show.
Memory loss & cognitive decline
Memory that slips and words that take longer to find.
Names go missing, and words stall mid-sentence. Mild forgetfulness is often a normal part of aging, though memory problems can also come from medication side effects, sleep problems, depression or other medical conditions. A provider can order tests to find the cause, and treatment depends on what they show.
CONCERN & CAUSES
Where memory change can come from
Memory change has more than one possible driver. The situations below come up in an evaluation, and each one points somewhere different, which is why the history and the labs come first.
01
The menopause transition
Midlife women commonly experience changes in cognitive function through the menopause transition. In one US study, perimenopause was associated with lower cognitive performance, and performance rebounded after menopause.
02
Other medical conditions
Memory problems can stem from causes unrelated to dementia or normal aging, among them thyroid, kidney or liver conditions, medication side effects, depression and anxiety, alcohol misuse and low nutrient levels.
03
Sleep and sleep quality
Sleep problems sit on the same list of causes, and obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with poorer cognition in US population studies. Those findings are associations rather than proof of cause.
04
When memory problems persist
If memory problems persist after a few weeks, talk with a doctor. A visit at Lesh Lifestyle starts with a review of your complete medical background and your recent lab work, or new testing if you need it.
Physician-led care
Integrative, physician-led care in Sarasota and Bradenton
The plan follows what the history and the labs show. Dr. Sarah Secor-Jones, DO, FACEP, is board certified in emergency medicine and practices integrative medicine. Your plan, built for you, is delivered at the follow-up visit.
Longevity
A program that runs over time, with Dr. Sarah analyzing your lab work and setting a plan built for you at the follow-up visit.
Integrative medicine
A physician evaluation in which testing follows what your history and symptoms show. Mild forgetfulness is often a normal part of aging, and some memory problems stem from causes unrelated to aging or dementia.
Supporting brain health Between visits
Nothing has been proven yet to prevent Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. The NIA does list health and lifestyle factors that may be addressed to support brain health, and the habits below sit in that group.
Start with a doctor visit
Keep blood pressure in range
Keep sleep regular
Stay physically active
Track what changes
Your first visit is a conversation with a physician.
No referral needed. Telehealth in 10 states.
FAQ
Common questions about
seeing a doctor about memory loss
Memory problems are raised with a physician who can look for medical contributors. At Lesh Lifestyle in Sarasota, that starts with your complete medical background and lab work. Confusion or loss of memory can be a stroke symptom. At the first signs of a stroke, call 911 or seek urgent care right away.
Changes in cognitive function are common through the menopause transition. In one US study, the difficulty showed up in learning and then rebounded to premenopausal levels afterward, so it may be time-limited. Findings differ across studies. Changes lasting beyond a few weeks are worth raising with Dr. Sarah.
Visits happen at 1800 2nd St #819, Sarasota, FL 34236, a short drive from Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton. The office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with Wednesday by appointment. Dr. Sarah takes every discovery call herself.
That depends on the cause. Where a condition such as depression is behind it, the problem usually goes away once that condition is treated. Your plan is reviewed at the follow-up visit.
Hormone therapy is not an established way to prevent dementia. The Menopause Society notes the balance of benefit and risk appears less favorable when hormone therapy is started more than 10 years after menopause onset or after age 60. The USPSTF recommends against combined estrogen and progestin, or estrogen alone after hysterectomy, for preventing chronic conditions after menopause.
Be cautious of pills, supplements and brain-training products that promise to prevent dementia. Low nutrient levels are listed among the causes of memory problems, so testing can show whether one applies to you, and treatment then follows that finding rather than a product label.
The comprehensive first appointment is $400 and runs 60 minutes, and the follow-up plan visit is included in that fee. Labs can be cash-pay or submitted to your insurance. The Integrative Membership includes all follow-ups.
Lesh Lifestyle offers telehealth for eligible visits in ten states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.
The visit looks for medical contributors to memory change. Talk with a doctor about noticeable changes in your memory, and if the problems persist after a few weeks, raise them again, because that may be a sign of something more serious.
Nothing has been proven yet to prevent Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. A National Academies review found encouraging but inconclusive evidence for blood pressure management in people with high blood pressure, increased physical activity, and cognitive training. In the US POINTER trial, a structured lifestyle program did slightly better on global cognition than a self-guided one, and both groups improved.