Memory Loss and Brain Health

Our integrated team at the Center for Memory Loss and Brain Health provide comprehensive, patient centered, coordinated care for dementia and memory disorders, including assessment and treatment of dementia-related cognitive and psychological changes. We understand how a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can disrupt a family – that’s why we provide services not only for our patients, but for their families as well. We have assembled an expert team of fellowship-trained physicians from neurology and geriatrics to lead the program, along with:

• Counseling psychologists who can help each patient and family handle the emotional effects of dementia
• Medical assistants and administrative staff who help with appointments and support you during your visits
• Neuropsychologists who assess each patient’s cognitive health
• Our team will communicate regularly with your primary care physician to maintain continuity of care
• Research coordinators who manage clinical trials and can explain possible participation in these vital studies
• Social workers who can connect you with the resources your family needs

Conditions We Treat

Our team specializes in the treatment of memory disorders including:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Lewy Body Dementia
• Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy
• Memory loss associated with other neurological conditions, e.g. MS, Parkinson’s disease and stroke
• Minimal cognitive impairment
• Preventive strategies for Brain Health
• Vascular Dementia

Diagnosis

There is no single test to diagnose dementia. While symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, at least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired to be considered dementia:

• Ability to focus and pay attention
• Communication and language
• Memory
• Reasoning and judgment
• Visual perception

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia is based on:

• A careful examination of medical history
• A physical examination
• Laboratory tests
• Characteristic changes in thinking
• Changes in day-to-day function
• Behavior changes

Treatment

Our highly specialized team members take pride in their expertise and commitment to state-of-the-art services including:

Advance care planning

Assessing high risk medication use and polypharmacy

Cognitive remediation

Gait Training

Neurological evaluation focused on making and confirming the correct diagnosis

Nursing Care

Nutrition

Optimizing chronic medical conditions

Psychological Well-being and Health Behavior

Social Services

Research

We are exploring ways to analyze all of the information we gather from our patients — such as demographics, other health issues, living situations, and support networks — to better understand dementia, and use these data to inform new avenues of study with the potential to improve care for people everywhere.

Patients and families may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials with the potential to advance the field.

Coordination with Community Organizations

Community-based organizations are our allies in the care of people with dementia. Our team can connect you with resources in your community to help you or your loved one get the needed support.