Expert Guide to Dementia

Memory loss and cognitive decline can be challenging for the person experiencing them and their loved ones alike. And it can be difficult to navigate the paths to diagnosis and timely treatment. The neurology expertise at Ohio State is unmatched nationwide, and our clinicians here have provided some extra advice and answers to common questions about memory disorders including dementia.

Improving brain health

Brain and Spine

How games like Wordle can improve brain health

February 9, 2022

The online word game Wordle has exploded in popularity in 2022, and it joins a long list of games that cognitive scientists know can be great for brain health.

Exercise and Nutrition

The MIND diet for brain health

By Liz Weinandy, MPH, RDN, LD

The MIND diet focuses on foods shown to improve brain function. An Ohio State expert explains.

Brain and Spine

8 ways to help prevent dementia

April 14, 2025

There are many steps you can take to help prevent dementia disorders. An Ohio State expert offers advice.

Brain and Spine

FAQ: How to spot the early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

By Douglas Scharre, MD

Ohio State memory disorder expert Douglas Scharre, MD, answers your most frequently asked questions on early detection of memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.

Brain and Spine

Is it a dementia disorder, or is it normal aging?

By Douglas Scharre, MD

An Ohio State expert helps explain the differences between normal aging and signs of a dementia disorder.

Brain and Spine

Health Talks: The difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia

Watch

An Ohio State neurologist explains the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and ways you can help prevent cognitive decline.

Aging

5 things to know before a memory disorder evaluation

By Douglas Scharre, MD

Dementia symptoms can be scary, but getting a memory evaluation is a good first step to finding the cause. Douglas Scharre, MD, explains why you should do these five things before your first appointment.

Aging

Aging: What’s normal and what’s not?

November 15, 2022

Are you past 65 and wondering: Is this a normal sign of aging? An Ohio State geriatrics doctor will help you figure it out.

Women's Health

Is menopause related to dementia?

By Jonathan Schaffir, MD

Your brain fog during menopause is not likely a sign of early dementia. An Ohio State gynecologist explains.

Sleep

Is it dementia or the effects of sleep apnea?

By Jesse Mindel, MD

The cognitive symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type of sleep apnea, are similar to some of the cognitive symptoms of dementia. Besides leaving you sleepy during the day, sleep apnea can cause forgetfulness, as well as trouble concentrating, organizing and planning.

Brain and Spine

Revolutionizing memory disorder detection with a paper and pen

By Joshua Wright

Neurologist Douglas Scharre, MD, has developed a new digital version of his revolutionary SAGE test, a self-administered test that detects early signs of memory loss.

Brain and Spine

Living with an aphasia diagnosis

By Erica Dawson, PhD

Forgetting some names or words occasionally is common, but there are certain signs that verbal confusion is aphasia, possibly as a result of dementia, stroke or brain injury.

For caregivers of people with dementia

Health and Society

More Americans are living with dementia. Their caregivers need care, too

By Joshua Wright

Learn more about the broad range of options available to people across Ohio who are caring for those who may be living with dementia.

Aging

When to take the keys from elderly drivers

By Douglas Scharre, MD

It can be challenging to know when an aging loved one should give up driving. You’re not alone. Neurologists at Ohio State created an in-office assessment, the 4-Turn Test, that’s effective in helping make a determination.

Aging

Why you need to talk about your end-of-life plans

By Seuli Bose Brill, MD

Understand the importance of discussing your end-of-life plans with loved ones and healthcare providers. Learn about advance care planning, healthcare power of attorney, living wills, and more to ensure your wishes are honored.

General Health

How to organize your medical records

By George Xanthopoulos, RHIA

When faced with a complex medical problem, organized medical records can help you stay focused on getting better. An Ohio State expert has tips.

Research and treatment

Brain and Spine

Medications for dementia disorders: What to know and how they work

April 14, 2025

Medications available for dementia disorders can slow the progression of the disease or treat symptoms. An Ohio State expert explains.

Aging

Advancing research to improve quality of life in older adults

Advanced age is associated with both an increased risk of dementia and pain. The prevalence of cognitively impaired individuals suffering from painful conditions will likely increase in the coming decades.

Brain and Spine

Innovative approach centers neurological disorder care around the patient

By Ashley Rabinovitch

Ohio State is making it easier for patients with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and MS to access all their care in specialty clinics designed to center all services patients may need.

Heart and Vascular

Addressing health inequities in hypertension and Alzheimer's

By Kathy Wright, PhD, APRN-CNS

African Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease, which could be related to uncontrolled hypertension. Learn more about how Ohio State is encouraging self-care strategies to help address these health inequities.

Brain and Spine

Ohio State studies aim to help detect Alzheimer's and dementia earlier

Learn about the studies that are leading to early detection of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

How dementia works

General Health

Can human memory ‘fill up’?

September 12, 2023

Can you lose the ability to form new memories? Our expert explains.

Brain and Spine

What causes short-term memory to fade?

By Arun Ramamurthy, MD

Ever wonder why your memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be? Here’s what dulls our memory.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Take the next step in memory disorder evaluation

Ohio State’s Memory Disorders Clinic provides customized services to both patients and their families, including behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry.

Learn more

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Expert Guide to Dementia

Improving brain health

How games like Wordle can improve brain health

The MIND diet for brain health

8 ways to help prevent dementia

Diagnosis

FAQ: How to spot the early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Is it a dementia disorder, or is it normal aging?

Health Talks: The difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia

5 things to know before a memory disorder evaluation

Aging: What’s normal and what’s not?

Is menopause related to dementia?

Is it dementia or the effects of sleep apnea?

Revolutionizing memory disorder detection with a paper and pen

Living with an aphasia diagnosis

For caregivers of people with dementia

More Americans are living with dementia. Their caregivers need care, too

When to take the keys from elderly drivers

Why you need to talk about your end-of-life plans

How to organize your medical records

Research and treatment

Medications for dementia disorders: What to know and how they work

Advancing research to improve quality of life in older adults

Innovative approach centers neurological disorder care around the patient

Addressing health inequities in hypertension and Alzheimer's

Ohio State studies aim to help detect Alzheimer's and dementia earlier

How dementia works

Can human memory ‘fill up’?

What causes short-term memory to fade?

Take the next step in memory disorder evaluation

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