Learning About Memory and Cognitive Disorders

Disease education is an important part of the treatment process at Atlantic Health System Neuroscience's Memory and Cognitive Disorders Program.

View a list of memory loss questions that can help determine if a professional evaluation may be necessary >

Learn about some of the more common memory and neurodegenerative disorders:

Alzheimer’s disease symptoms:

• Changes in memory that affect daily life
• Confusion with time, place or navigation
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  Learn more >

Dementia with lewy bodies symptoms:

• Changes in cognition and attention
• Difficulty walking or moving more slowly or stiffly
• Visual hallucinations
  Learn more >

Frontotemporal dementia (formerly called Pick’s disease) symptoms:

• Changes in personality, behavior or  judgment
• Lack of interest or drive
• Language or movement problems may develop later
  Learn more >

Mild cognitive impairment (memory loss) symptoms:

• Changes in memory that do not interfere with daily life
• Difficulty with problem solving or planning
• Changes in language and attention
  Learn more >

Normal pressure hydrocephalus symptoms:

• Difficulty walking
• Slowed thinking and reduced concentration
• Changes in personality and behavior
  Learn more >

Parkinson’s disease dementia symptoms:

• Changes in memory, concentration and judgment
• Trouble interpreting visual information or visual hallucinations
• Muffled speech
  Learn more >

In some cases, memory loss may also be caused by or associated with:

• Central nervous system infections
• Head trauma or concussion
• Brain tumors
• Movement disorders
• Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety or a severe emotional event
• Medication side effects and adverse drug interactions
• Alcohol
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes
• Vascular dementia from strokes