The memory clinic evaluates, diagnosis and proposes therapeutic options for memory disorders.
The service is available for adults who are interested in early diagnosis, for elderly patients seeking an evaluation of cognitive decline and for people with diseases affecting memory function (Parkinson's, head trauma, etc...).
The memory clinic not only deals with overt memory disorders, but also places an emphasis on prevention. Difficulties related to sub-clinical memory are becoming increasingly frequent, but there are many ways in which a person can proactively promote the maintainaince of efficient cognitive functioning over a lifetime. With this in mind, our clinic proposes therapeutic plans for adults wishing to better understand any memory difficulties they may be experiencing.
The team is composed of a neurologist with expertise in memory function, a neuropsychologist, a speech therapist and a physiotherapist. This team also provides guidance and advice to family members and professionals who care for people with memory problems. The advantage of working with a multidispiplinary team is that they are capable of offering care for all of the various problems that may be associated with memory deficits.
A medical evaluation is essential in order to rule out possible causes related to reversible pathological conditions (e.g. anxiety, depression, metabolic or endocrine disorders, certain chronic diseases, sensory deficits) and to assess risk factors. The doctor evaluates the patient's clinical data and current treatment plan, collects information from family members, examines the patient, and administers cognitive screenings as well as assessments of functional status. If necessary, the doctor may propose that the patient undergo a more thorough evaluation of his/her cognitive abilities with a neuropsychologist to obtain a complete profile of cognitive functioning (identifying which mental abilities are functioning properly and which are not). This information is useful to make an accurate diagnosis and develop a care plan for the person with dementia.
The treatment plan may include a drug and/or non-drug therapy with memory exercises, daily physical activity, the avoidance of environmental triggers, and/or relational, speerehabilitation and/or physical therapy. Memory deficit is a problem that is treatable today with appropriate exercise programs and real training that, in some cases, produces excellent results.