Conditions
Cognitive Symptoms & Thinking Problems: Finding the Root Cause and Getting Expert Neurological Care in Los Angeles.
Published: November 25, 2024
Author: Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD
Are you experiencing difficulty with thinking, memory, concentration, or mental clarity? Cognitive symptoms can significantly impact your daily life, affecting your work, relationships, and overall well-being. At Achilles Neurology Clinic, we specialize in evaluating and treating a wide range of cognitive symptoms, from brain fog and memory loss to more complex neurological conditions affecting thinking and mental processing.
Understanding Cognitive Symptoms in Neurology
Cognitive symptoms encompass a broad range of difficulties related to mental processes, including:
- Memory problems: Difficulty remembering recent events, forgetting important information, or trouble with long-term recall
- Concentration issues: Inability to focus on tasks, easily distracted, or difficulty maintaining attention
- Mental clarity: Feeling "foggy" or having unclear thoughts
- Processing speed: Slower thinking or delayed responses
- Executive function: Trouble with planning, organizing, or making decisions
- Language difficulties: Word-finding problems or trouble following conversations
When Cognitive Symptoms Warrant Evaluation
While occasional forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating is normal, persistent cognitive symptoms that interfere with your daily activities warrant a thorough neurological evaluation to identify underlying causes and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Common Cognitive Conditions We Treat
Brain Fog
Brain fog is one of the most common cognitive complaints we see in our Beverly Hills practice. It's characterized by mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of mental cloudiness. Brain fog can be caused by various factors including:
- Chronic stress and burnout
- Sleep disorders
- Hormonal imbalances
- Neuroinflammation
- Long COVID
- Nutritional deficiencies
Memory Loss
Memory loss ranges from mild forgetfulness to more severe impairment affecting daily functioning. While some memory changes are normal with aging, significant memory problems may indicate:
- Early signs of neurodegenerative conditions
- Traumatic brain injury
- Medication side effects
- Reversible causes like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems
Cognitive Symptoms in Long COVID
Many patients recovering from COVID-19 experience persistent cognitive symptoms as part of long COVID. These can include:
- Severe brain fog
- Memory difficulties
- Attention problems
- Slowed mental processing
- Difficulty multitasking
Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Function
Neuroinflammation — inflammation affecting the brain and nervous system — can profoundly impact cognitive function. This inflammatory process may result from:
- Autoimmune conditions
- Infections
- Chronic stress
- Environmental toxins
When left untreated, neuroinflammation can contribute to persistent brain fog, memory problems, and cognitive decline.
Chronic Fatigue and Cognitive Impairment
Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterized not only by severe physical fatigue but also significant cognitive symptoms, often described as "brain fog." Patients frequently report:
- Difficulty with concentration and attention
- Memory problems
- Slowed thinking
- Trouble finding words
Attention and Focus Difficulties
Attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) in adults can significantly impact cognitive performance, leading to:
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Problems with organization and time management
- Forgetfulness in daily activities
- Trouble completing tasks
Comprehensive Cognitive Evaluation in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles
At Achilles Neurology Clinic, we take a thorough, patient-centered approach to evaluating cognitive symptoms:
Detailed Medical History
We begin with an in-depth discussion of your symptoms, their onset, progression, and impact on your daily life. We also review your medical history, medications, and potential risk factors.
Neurological Examination
A comprehensive neurological evaluation helps us identify signs of neurological conditions that may be contributing to your cognitive symptoms.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Depending on your specific symptoms, we may recommend:
- Neuropsychological testing: Detailed cognitive assessments to map specific areas of difficulty
- Brain imaging: MRI or CT scans to evaluate brain structure and identify abnormalities
- Laboratory tests: Blood work to check for vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, inflammatory markers, and other metabolic issues
- Sleep studies: To evaluate whether sleep disorders are contributing to cognitive symptoms
- Autoimmune testing: When neuroinflammation or autoimmune conditions are suspected
Personalized Treatment Plans
Based on your evaluation, we develop customized treatment strategies that may include:
- Addressing underlying medical conditions
- Medication management when appropriate
- Cognitive rehabilitation therapy
- Lifestyle modifications to support brain health
- Nutritional support and supplementation
- Sleep optimization
- Stress management techniques
Cognitive Symptoms Evaluation in Beverly Hills & Across California
Why Choose Achilles Neurology Clinic for Cognitive Symptoms?
Located in Beverly Hills, we serve patients throughout Los Angeles, Southern California, and beyond with:
Specialized Expertise: Dr. Achillefs Ntranos is a board-certified neurologist with extensive experience in complex cognitive disorders, neuroimmunology, and neuroinflammation.
Comprehensive Approach: We don't just treat symptoms — we investigate root causes to develop targeted, effective treatment plans.
Advanced Diagnostics: Access to state-of-the-art testing and imaging to accurately identify underlying conditions.
Patient-Centered Care: We take the time to listen, understand your concerns, and partner with you in your care journey.
Flexible Options: In-office appointments in Beverly Hills and telehealth consultations for patients across California.
When to See a Neurologist for Memory and Thinking Problems in Los Angeles
You should consider consulting a neurologist if you experience:
- Persistent brain fog lasting more than a few weeks
- Progressive memory problems that interfere with daily activities
- Sudden changes in cognitive function
- Cognitive symptoms following an illness (like COVID-19) or injury
- Difficulty performing tasks that were previously easy
- Concerns from family members about your memory or thinking
- Multiple cognitive symptoms occurring together
Don't Wait to Seek Help
Early evaluation and intervention for cognitive symptoms often leads to better outcomes. Many causes of cognitive impairment are treatable, especially when identified early.
Brain Health Optimization
Beyond treating specific conditions, we help patients optimize their cognitive health through lifestyle changes:
- Nutrition: Evidence-based dietary recommendations to support brain function
- Exercise: Physical activity guidelines tailored to your abilities
- Sleep hygiene: Strategies for restorative sleep
- Stress reduction: Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- Cognitive training: Exercises to maintain and improve mental sharpness
- Social engagement: Encouraging connections that support brain health
The Link Between Neurological Conditions and Cognitive Function
Many neurological conditions can affect cognitive function, including:
- Multiple sclerosis: Can cause cognitive changes in memory, processing speed, and executive function
- Migraine: Associated with brain fog during and between attacks
- Autonomic dysfunction: May affect mental clarity, especially with blood pressure fluctuations
- White matter lesions: Can impact cognitive processing
Our specialized training in these conditions allows us to provide expert evaluation and management of associated cognitive symptoms.
Research-Driven Care
Dr. Ntranos brings extensive research experience from Johns Hopkins University and Mount Sinai Hospital, ensuring our approach is grounded in the latest scientific understanding of cognitive function, neuroinflammation, and brain health. We stay current with emerging treatments and research to offer you the most advanced care available.
Getting Started: Your Path to Better Cognitive Health
If you're experiencing brain fog, memory problems, or other cognitive symptoms in Los Angeles or Southern California, we're here to help. Our evaluation process is designed to:
- Identify the root cause of your cognitive symptoms
- Rule out serious conditions that require immediate attention
- Develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs
- Support your journey toward improved cognitive function and quality of life
Don't let cognitive symptoms hold you back from living your fullest life. Whether you're dealing with brain fog, memory loss, attention difficulties, or other cognitive concerns, expert help is available.
Schedule a Cognitive Evaluation
Book a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Ntranos to address your memory and thinking concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to have brain fog occasionally?
Occasional brain fog, especially when you're stressed, sleep-deprived, or fighting an illness, is common. However, persistent or worsening brain fog that affects your daily functioning should be evaluated by a neurologist.
What's the difference between normal aging and concerning memory loss?
Normal aging may involve occasional forgetfulness, like misplacing keys or forgetting a name temporarily. Concerning memory loss includes forgetting important events, repeatedly asking the same questions, getting lost in familiar places, or having difficulty with tasks you previously performed easily.
Can cognitive symptoms be reversed?
Many causes of cognitive symptoms are treatable or reversible, especially when identified early. Conditions like vitamin deficiencies, sleep apnea, medication side effects, and certain hormonal imbalances can often be corrected with appropriate treatment.
How long does a cognitive evaluation take?
A comprehensive cognitive evaluation typically involves an initial consultation lasting 60 minutes, followed by any necessary testing such as neuropsychological assessment, imaging, or laboratory work. We'll discuss the timeline during your first visit.
Do you offer virtual consultations for cognitive concerns?
Yes, we offer telehealth neurology consultations for patients throughout California. Many aspects of cognitive evaluation can be conducted virtually, though some testing may require an in-person visit.
Take the Next Step
Living with cognitive symptoms can be frustrating and concerning, but you don't have to face it alone. At Achilles Neurology Clinic in Beverly Hills, we're dedicated to helping patients throughout Los Angeles and Southern California achieve better cognitive health and quality of life.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward understanding and addressing your cognitive symptoms.
About the Author
Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD
Board-Certified Neurologist
Achilles Neurology Clinic
Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD is a board-certified neurologist and MS specialist known for his thorough evaluations and compassionate approach. Originally from Greece, he trained at Johns Hopkins University and Mount Sinai Hospital before founding Achilles Neurology Clinic in Beverly Hills to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered neurological care. He specializes in MS, autoimmune neurology, neuropathy, headaches, and other neurological disorders, blending research-driven insights with personalized treatment plans.