Memory exam in a medical context

What is a medical memory exam? How is Memtrax positioned in relation to these exams?

Medical memory exam.
  1. A medical examination for memory problems consists of taking a history of how much difficulty with thinking the individual has had and what impairments in functioning have occurred and over what time period they have developed. This information must be verified by a family member, care-giver, or medical partner (how can a clinician rely on the memory of a person with a potential memory problem?). There must also be a complete medical history, including a listing of medical problems and medications, as well as a family history, particularly addressing the history of longevity, memory problems, and dementia in the parents, grandparents, and siblings. There should also be a physical and neurological examination, which should include palpating the thyroid gland, eye-movement tracking, and testing vibration sensitivity in the feet. A Mental Status Examination should include assessments of mood and affect (for depression) as well as basic cognitive screening, including brief tests of memory and language function. Routine blood and urine tests should include thyroid, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D measurements. If any significant cognitive impairment is discovered, neuropsychological testing should be considered as well as a brain scan. Other tests, such as ECG, chest X-ray, EEG, and spinal fluid tap should be done only when indicated.
  2. Medical exams are usually conducted by physicians, most often by general practitioners. Patients with complex problems are best referred to doctors with special training in geriatrics, neurology, or geriatric psychiatry.
  3. There are many organizations that have developed to support community individuals with memory and other cognitive problems, including the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) and the Alzheimer’s Association (AA). There are several specialty organizations are composed of clinicians who help with the professional assessments, including the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry and the American Neurological Association. There are many websites that provide information about assessment of memory problems. There is a short list at: http://www.medafile.com/fam/index.html
  4. MemTrax is a test designed to be taken as a brief screen for memory problems. This test can be taken by any individual on line, and problem scores will lead to a recommendation to see a clinician about a possible cognitive problem. MemTrax can also be administered in a doctor’s office before a patient sees the doctor, and the doctor can be alerted about a poor score and respond with an appropriate course of action. Researchers can also use MemTrax to determine eligibility for studies, either to exclude individuals with memory problems or to recognize individuals with memory problems for a scientific investigation. Further, MemTrax can be used as an outcome measure for a potential dementia treatment, to determine if the treatment is effective or whether it has an effect over time. MemTrax is the best tolerated, quickest, most precise test of memory available for all of these purposes, and its cost is considerably less in comparison to other tests when the amount of information obtained is considered with respect to the required administration time and costs of other tests.