Assessing cognition and recommending follow-up

Recent questions

• What is involved in routine memory testing during a medical appointment?

  During a routine memory testing at a medical appointment, the healthcare provider may conduct general evaluations and mental state testing. This can include assessing memory issues such as misplacing items and missing appointments. Initial memory testing may involve tasks like recalling three words and drawing a clock to evaluate cognitive function. Further testing, which may include blood work and additional memory tests, could be planned with the involvement of a patient's family member or support person, like their husband.

• How can memory issues be evaluated during a medical appointment?

  Memory issues can be evaluated during a medical appointment through routine general evaluations and mental state testing. Patients may express concerns about memory problems, such as misplacing items and missing appointments. Healthcare providers may conduct initial memory testing tasks like recalling three words and drawing a clock to assess cognitive function. Further evaluation, which may involve blood work and additional memory tests, could be planned with the support and involvement of a patient's family member, like their husband.

• What are common signs of memory issues that patients may experience?

  Common signs of memory issues that patients may experience include misplacing items and missing appointments. During a medical appointment, patients may express concerns about these memory problems, prompting healthcare providers to conduct routine general evaluations and mental state testing. Initial memory testing tasks, such as recalling three words and drawing a clock, can help assess cognitive function. Further evaluation, which may include blood work and additional memory tests, could be planned with the support of a patient's family member, like their husband.

• How can cognitive function be assessed during a medical appointment?

  Cognitive function can be assessed during a medical appointment through routine general evaluations and mental state testing. Patients may express concerns about memory issues like misplacing items and missing appointments, prompting healthcare providers to conduct initial memory testing tasks such as recalling three words and drawing a clock. Further evaluation, which may involve blood work and additional memory tests, could be planned with the support and involvement of a patient's family member, like their husband.

• Why is it important to involve a patient's family member in memory testing?

  It is important to involve a patient's family member, like their husband, in memory testing to provide support and assistance throughout the evaluation process. During a medical appointment, patients may express concerns about memory issues like misplacing items and missing appointments. Healthcare providers may conduct routine general evaluations and mental state testing, along with initial memory testing tasks such as recalling three words and drawing a clock. Further evaluation, which may include blood work and additional memory tests, could be planned with the involvement of a patient's family member for emotional support and assistance.