Dementia Care: the Memory Clinic

The graying of America is an established fact. The single greatest risk factor for dementia remains aging, with 50% of all persons over 85 years of age suffering deficits of memory and cognition. We now know that an individual's lifestyle choices can have a significant influence on their risk of dementia.

Alzheimer's Disease

The most commonly diagnosed form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. But there are many different forms of memory loss, some of which are due to reversible causes such as chronic hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, vitamin deficiencies, and chronic subdural hematomas. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment are mandatory in such cases. In addition, early intervention can slow the course of decline in function, and correct many of the behavioral aspects of dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The Memory Clinic provides a comprehensive service to assist in the early diagnosis of memory disorders, as well as the coordination of medical and community management for individuals with severe memory loss. Our neuropsychologists have extensive experience in evaluating cognitive difficulties ranging from forgetfulness to profound confusion. In-depth cognitive testing can provide a baseline measure and becomes an invaluable tool to use in providing appropriate diagnosis and management. The Memory Clinic’s goal is to help prolong our patients ability to live independently through accurate diagnosis, coupled with medical intervention, drug therapy, diet, and exercise.

The team of skilled health care professionals at the Clinic can provide comprehensive evaluations with an individualized care plan, including appropriate diagnostic tests and therapies with ongoing medical management. We can also offer an in-home care evaluation to address safety concerns and suggest appropriate resources for support with continued activities in the community such as adult day programs or exercise groups. We work closely with fellow practitioners at the Institute for Health and Healing, California Pacific’s integrative medicine center, to combine conventional medicine with holistic treatment.