A change in memory can be unsettling, whether it is happening to you or to someone you love. The small moments start to add up. A missed appointment. A question asked twice. A familiar word that won’t come. If you’ve noticed changes like these, the most important thing to know is that you don’t have to sort through them on your own, and you don’t have to wait until you have answers to talk to us.
As your primary care practice in Rochester, we’re often the first place patients bring these worries, and that’s exactly where the conversation should start.
Start with a conversation
Memory changes have many causes, and not all of them point to dementia. Medication side effects, thyroid problems, poor sleep, and depression can all affect memory, and several of these are treatable once identified. That’s why an early conversation matters so much.
When you bring a concern to us, we can review your full history, consider what might be contributing, and help you decide on next steps without rushing. Concierge medicine is built around this kind of attention. Because our personal physicians truly know their patients, we can often notice subtle changes early and act on them quickly, before small questions turn into bigger ones.
Memory loss affects the whole family
When memory loss does turn out to be dementia, its effects reach well beyond the person who is diagnosed. Partners, adult children, and close friends often step into caregiving roles, and they carry a real load: coordinating appointments, learning new routines, and managing their own worry at the same time. Support for families isn’t an extra. It’s part of good care.
Memory loss is also more common than many people realize. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that about one in nine older adults is living with dementia, and the Alzheimer’s Association projects that diagnoses will keep rising in the decades ahead. In the Rochester area, home to one of the largest and fastest growing older adult populations in New York State, more families will face these questions every year.
Connecting you to specialized dementia care
Through our affiliation with Jewish Home, our patients have access to a resource built specifically for families facing memory loss: The Clare & Jerry Rotenberg Center for Excellence in Dementia Care. The Center pairs families with a dementia care navigator, a single point of contact who helps them understand their options and find the right support at the right time. It also offers education and training for caregivers, engagement and enrichment programming for people living with dementia, and connections to trusted community partners such as Lifespan and the Alzheimer’s Association.
For our patients, this means a clear path forward. If memory becomes a concern, we can talk it through together and, when it helps, connect you directly with people whose work is devoted to dementia care and caregiver support.
Frequently asked questions
When should I talk to my doctor about memory loss?
Sooner than most people think. If you or someone close to you has noticed repeated forgetfulness, trouble following conversations, or changes in judgment, it’s worth raising at your next visit. Many causes of memory change are treatable, and an early conversation gives you the most options.
Can a primary care doctor help with dementia?
Yes. Your primary care physician is usually the right first step. We can evaluate what might be behind the changes, rule out treatable causes, guide you toward the right specialists, and stay involved in coordinating your care over time.
What memory care resources are available in Rochester?
Through our affiliation with Jewish Home, our patients can be connected to The Clare & Jerry Rotenberg Center for Excellence in Dementia Care, which offers a dementia care navigator, caregiver education, and links to community partners such as Lifespan and the Alzheimer’s Association.
If you’re a current Personal Medicine patient, bring this up at your next visit or give us a call. This is exactly the kind of resource we’re here to help you navigate.