Symptom Management 

In addition to disease-modifying drugs, there are treatments that address memory loss without tackling its underlying cause.

Some examples of symptoms that may be treated with medication:

• Anxiety
• Incontinence
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Pain
• Hallucinations, delusions, severe agitation or aggression

Therapeutic Support

Norton Healthcare provides rehabilitation, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services for patients managing memory loss. Our facilities offer some of the most advanced technology and specialized services in one location to help with gait, balance, strength, flexibility, speech, fine motor skills, swallowing, driving, cognition, vision and more.

Social Support

As part of our commitment to personalized care, a social worker can help guide patients through their care journey and help connect them with resources and answer questions.

• Exercise groups: Yoga, aqua aerobics and tai chi are specifically tailored to improve balance, maintain flexibility and reduce stress.
• Patient support classes: We offer a variety of classes for patients and caregivers.

Risks of Not Treating Memory Loss

There is a difference between forgetfulness and memory loss. For example, it is normal to forget where you put your keys, but it could be a red flag if you forget what keys belong to which locks.

Because progressive memory loss is a degenerative disease, the memory will worsen over time. The sooner the diagnosis, the sooner that appropriate care can uncover the reason for the memory loss and offer the chance to treat mild cognitive impairment in the early stages.

Clinical Trials and Studies

Norton Neuroscience Institute is at the forefront of neuroscientific research. As investigators on numerous trials, our specialist physicians have unparalleled experience with many innovative treatments once they are approved for broad use. Patients also may be eligible to take part in these experimental treatments. Norton Neuroscience Institute researchers also contribute to groundbreaking studies and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Learn more about current neuroscience clinical trials and studies.

When to Call Your Health Care Provider

Coming to terms with memory loss and the possible onset of a more serious condition can be difficult. Getting a prompt diagnosis from a doctor is key in determining if further testing is required.

When ongoing memory loss requires medical attention, your doctor may ask a simple set of questions to assess the severity of the impairment. The questions might touch on the onset of the symptoms, the type of tasks that seem difficult, whether you’ve started any new drug or if a recent head injury or other trauma may have happened.

Further blood and brain-imaging testing also may be required in order to give an accurate diagnosis, develop a care plan and provide support.

Reviewed by Gregory E. Cooper, M.D., Ph.D.

What to Expect From the Hussung Family Multiple Sclerosis Center

• A full range of MS patient support options at the Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center in Norton Medical Plaza 2 – St. Matthews includes remote and in-person classes and on-demand patient education videos from your providers.
• A patient navigator (a nurse) is dedicated to helping you work with your MS treatment team. The patient navigator also can help you with arranging transportation and with insurance approvals, and can provide other assistance to get you the best care possible.
• We have a social worker, psychologist and a pharmacist dedicated to supporting MS patients.
• The Hussung Family Multiple Sclerosis Center MS clinic is on the Norton Healthcare – St. Matthews campus, along with an infusion center. Other infusion center locations are in downtown Louisville and on the campus of Norton Brownsboro Hospital.
• The clinic is recognized as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
• Medicare, Medicaid, and most major commercial insurance plans are accepted.
• Book appointments, get alerts when an earlier appointment becomes available, communicate with your medical provider, refill prescriptions and more through your free Norton MyChart account.
• You may have the opportunity to participate in experimental neuroscientific research and clinical trials, if eligible.