Memory Concerns in Older Adults: When to Consider a Cognitive Assessment
Memory changes can be worrying for older adults, families and carers. While occasional forgetfulness can be part of normal ageing, more noticeable changes in memory, thinking, judgement or day-to-day function may need further assessment.
A cognitive assessment can help identify whether memory concerns are related to normal ageing, mood, medications, medical conditions, mild cognitive impairment, dementia or another cause.
At South Steyne Medical Centre in Manly, Dr Amit Gupta provides specialist geriatric medicine services for adults over 65, including cognitive assessments, comprehensive geriatric assessments, falls prevention, mood concerns in later life and general medicine for older adults.
What Is a Cognitive Assessment?
A cognitive assessment is a structured review of memory, thinking and function. It may look at areas such as:
- Short-term memory
- Attention and concentration
- Language and communication
- Planning and problem-solving
- Orientation to time and place
- Daily functioning and independence
- Mood, sleep and general health
- Medications and medical conditions
The aim is to understand what may be contributing to the person’s symptoms and what support or further management may be needed.
When Should Memory Concerns Be Assessed?
It may be worth speaking with a GP about a cognitive assessment if an older adult is experiencing changes such as:
- Repeating questions or conversations more often
- Forgetting appointments, medications or recent events
- Becoming lost or confused in familiar places
- Difficulty managing finances, cooking, shopping or daily tasks
- Changes in judgement or decision-making
- New confusion, especially if it has developed quickly
- Family members or carers noticing a decline
- Withdrawal from usual activities
- Changes in mood, personality or behaviour
A cognitive assessment can be particularly helpful when memory concerns are affecting independence, safety or quality of life.
Memory Loss Is Not Always Dementia
Not all memory concerns are caused by dementia. Memory and thinking can be affected by many factors, including:
- Depression or anxiety
- Poor sleep
- Pain
- Medication side effects
- Infection or recent illness
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Thyroid problems
- Alcohol use
- Grief, stress or social isolation
- Hearing or vision difficulties
This is why assessment is important. A geriatrician can consider the broader medical picture, rather than looking at memory symptoms in isolation.
Cognitive Assessment and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
For older adults, memory concerns often occur alongside other issues such as falls, frailty, mood changes, medication concerns or reduced independence.
In these cases, a cognitive assessment may form part of a broader comprehensive geriatric assessment. This allows the geriatrician to review the person’s medical, cognitive, emotional and functional needs together.
This can be useful for patients, families, carers and GPs who need a clearer understanding of what is happening and how best to support the person. You can book an appointment with a GP consulting at South Steyne Medical Centre here.
How Families and Carers Can Help
Family members and carers often notice changes before the patient does. If you are concerned, it can be helpful to write down specific examples before speaking with a GP.
Useful information may include:
- When the memory changes started
- Whether symptoms are getting worse
- Examples of forgotten tasks or unusual behaviour
- Any recent falls, illness or medication changes
- Changes in mood, sleep or appetite
- Concerns about driving, cooking, finances or home safety
This information can help the GP or geriatrician understand the pattern of change and its impact on daily life.
75+ Health Assessments and Memory Concerns
For patients aged 75 and over, a 75+ health assessment with a GP can be a valuable opportunity to review memory, mood, mobility, medications, home safety and support needs.
If memory concerns are identified during a 75+ health assessment, the GP may recommend further review or referral to a geriatrician for a more detailed cognitive assessment.
Do You Need a Referral?
Patients are encouraged to speak with their GP about whether referral to a geriatrician is appropriate. Referrals may come from GPs consulting at South Steyne Medical Centre or from external GPs in the wider community.
If you would like more information, please contact South Steyne Medical Centre.
You can contact our reception team here to organise an appointment if you have a referral.
Important Scope of Practice Note
Dr Amit Gupta provides comprehensive geriatric medical assessments, including cognitive assessments. However, he does not provide financial capacity decision-making assessments or assessments related to wills.
If you require advice about wills, legal decision-making or financial capacity, please seek appropriate legal advice and speak with your GP about suitable referral options.
FAQ
What is a cognitive assessment for older adults?
A cognitive assessment is a structured review of memory, thinking, function and related health factors. It can help identify possible causes of memory or thinking changes.
When should an older adult have a cognitive assessment?
Assessment may be helpful if memory changes are affecting daily life, independence, safety, judgement, medication management or usual activities.
Does memory loss always mean dementia?
No. Memory changes can be caused by mood disorders, sleep problems, medications, medical illness, vitamin deficiencies and other treatable factors.
Can a geriatrician diagnose dementia?
A geriatrician can assess memory and thinking concerns, arrange or recommend appropriate investigations, and help guide diagnosis and management planning.
Can a 75+ health assessment identify memory concerns?
Yes. A 75+ health assessment with a GP can help identify memory, mood, falls risk, medication and independence concerns that may require further review.
Where does Dr Amit Gupta consult?
Dr Amit Gupta consults at South Steyne Medical Centre in Manly.
