If your doctor has recommended a memory assessment, or you have been thinking about scheduling one, you probably want to know what the appointment will actually involve.
At Atlanta Neuroscience Institute, board-certified neurologists provide memory evaluations to help you understand what is causing your symptoms. Knowing what to expect can make the appointment feel less intimidating.
The evaluation is not a single test you pass or fail. It looks at your overall health, thinking skills, and daily functioning to understand what might be causing your symptoms. Every assessment is tailored to the individual.
What Happens During Each Part of a Memory Assessment
- What a memory assessment includes, from symptom discussion to cognitive testing
- How a neurological exam fits into the evaluation
- What additional tests your neurologist may recommend and why
- What happens after the assessment and what your results mean
- How to prepare for your appointment to get the most out of your visit
Components of an ANI Memory Evaluation
| Evaluation Component | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| Medical history | Detailed discussion of symptoms, timeline, medications, and family history of memory disorders |
| Neurological examination | Assessment of reflexes, balance, coordination, eye movements, strength, sensation, and speech |
| Cognitive screening | Structured exercises evaluating memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and orientation |
| Brain imaging | In-house MRI services when a physician determines imaging is needed |
| Physical examination | General health assessment to check for conditions that may affect memory |
Talking About Your Symptoms
Every memory assessment begins with a conversation. Your neurologist will ask about the changes you’ve noticed, including when the symptoms began, whether they’ve stayed the same or gradually worsened, and how often they occur. They’ll want real examples from daily life, observations from family members, your medical history, current medications, sleep patterns, mood, stress levels, and any family history of memory disorders.
If a spouse, family member, or caregiver accompanies you to the appointment, they may also be asked to share observations about changes they’ve noticed over time. Their perspective can help establish when symptoms began and whether they affect daily functioning. This detailed history is one of the most important parts of the assessment because it guides which tests and evaluations your neurologist will prioritize.
The Neurological Examination
Memory isn’t evaluated in isolation. Your neurologist will also perform a general neurological examination to evaluate how your brain and nervous system are functioning as a whole. Depending on your symptoms, the examination may include an assessment of your balance and walking, reflexes, coordination, eye movements, strength, sensation, and speech and language. These checks help rule out or identify other neurological conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.
By evaluating your nervous system comprehensively, your neurologist can determine whether your symptoms point to a specific condition like Parkinson’s disease or another neurological issue. The findings from this examination help your neurologist decide whether additional testing is needed and which tests would be most useful for your situation.
What Cognitive Screening Looks Like
One of the most recognizable parts of a memory assessment is cognitive screening. These brief exercises help evaluate several areas of thinking, including attention and concentration, short-term memory, language, problem-solving, executive functioning, and orientation. Your neurologist may ask you to complete tasks that assess memory recall, attention, language, and orientation. These exercises are not designed to measure intelligence or education level. Instead, they help identify patterns that can guide further evaluation.
The results give your neurologist a baseline understanding of your cognitive abilities and highlight specific areas where you may be experiencing difficulties. If the screening suggests that more detailed testing would be helpful, your neurologist may refer you for comprehensive neuropsychological testing, which provides a deeper assessment of memory, attention, language, and reasoning skills.
Additional Testing Your Neurologist May Recommend
Not every patient requires additional testing, but depending on your symptoms, your neurologist may recommend further evaluation. ANI’s neurologists follow a diagnostic process that may include medical history review, genetic testing, cognitive status testing, physical and neurological examinations, and brain imaging.
There is no single diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s, so your neurologist may use several of these tools together to determine which diagnosis or additional testing best fits your symptoms.
When imaging is ordered, ANI provides in-house MRI services. Your neurologist will recommend only the tests needed to clarify your specific situation.
What Happens After the Assessment
Once the evaluation is complete, your neurologist will review the findings with you and discuss the next steps. Depending on the results, this may include a possible diagnosis, reassurance that your symptoms appear consistent with normal aging, or a recommendation for follow-up testing. If an underlying medical condition is affecting your memory, your neurologist will discuss treatment options.
Lifestyle recommendations may also be part of your plan, including strategies for sleep and brain health, nutrition, and cognitive engagement. For patients who need additional support, ANI provides in-house case management and social services, including connections to dementia support, respite care, home care, memory care, durable medical equipment, and caregiver resources.
Your neurologist may also recommend a plan for monitoring your symptoms over time, with follow-up appointments to track any changes. Every patient is different, so recommendations are tailored to your symptoms and overall health.
Preparing for Your Appointment
- Write down your symptoms. Note what you’ve noticed and when it began, including specific examples from daily life that illustrate the changes.
- Bring a list of medications. Include all current medications and supplements, as these can sometimes affect memory and cognition.
- Note recent changes. Record any recent illnesses, major life changes, or new stressors that may be relevant to your symptoms.
- Bring a trusted companion. A family member or friend who has observed your symptoms can provide valuable perspective during the evaluation.
Having this information available can make the evaluation more thorough and help answer questions that may come up during the visit. To schedule your appointment, contact Atlanta Neuroscience Institute.
Why You Should Act on Memory Changes Early
Getting memory changes evaluated early can help identify the cause and support appropriate treatment and planning. For progressive conditions, early diagnosis can support treatment planning, financial planning, advance directives, and future care planning. Many people put off an evaluation because they’re afraid of what they might learn, but getting answers early, even if the news is difficult, allows you to take informed next steps. Understanding how Alzheimer’s affects family dynamics can also help families access support sooner.
Normal Aging and Concerning Memory Changes at a Glance
| Situation | May Fit Normal Aging | May Need Evaluation | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Names and words | Remembering later | Frequently losing familiar words | Track frequency and impact |
| Appointments | Occasional slip | Repeatedly missing important visits | Discuss with a medical provider |
| Navigation | Briefly forgetting a destination | Getting lost in familiar places | Arrange an evaluation |
| Daily tasks | Taking longer than before | Difficulty with bills, medicines, or cooking | Seek medical guidance |
| Onset | Gradual, mild changes | Sudden confusion or rapid change | Get urgent medical help |
Frequently Asked Questions
What financial assistance does ANI offer for neurological care?
ANI offers financial assistance to eligible patients, including payment plans, in-house assistance, grants, national programs, and pharmaceutical assistance programs. If cost is a concern, contact ANI’s team to discuss which options may apply to your situation.
When should memory changes be evaluated?
Talk to a doctor if memory changes are persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily activities. Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but consistently forgetting conversations, struggling with familiar tasks, or repeating questions may warrant a professional evaluation. A neurologist can determine whether these changes reflect normal aging, a treatable condition, or a progressive neurological disorder.
Does getting a memory assessment mean I have Alzheimer’s?
No. Many people who undergo a memory assessment learn that their symptoms have treatable causes, such as a vitamin deficiency or medication side effect. ANI’s Alzheimer’s page notes that there is no single diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s. If the assessment does suggest Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, your neurologist will discuss the specific type, what to expect, and treatment options.
After a diagnosis, does ANI offer clinical trials or research opportunities?
Yes. ANI conducts voluntary clinical research with eligibility requirements, medical oversight, and patient support. Not every patient will qualify or receive an investigational treatment. If you are interested, ask your neurologist whether any current studies may be appropriate for your situation.
Schedule Your Memory Assessment with Atlanta Neuroscience Institute
If persistent memory changes are affecting daily life, ANI’s neurologists can evaluate the possible causes. Our Atlanta office is located at 3200 Downwood Circle NW, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30327. Contact us to schedule an appointment or call (404) 351-0205.