Each Moment of Life is Precious
The Memory Clinic offers a unique, interdisciplinary approach. The clinical staff work closely with the patient’s primary care physician to ensure that the patient’s medical and psychological care is coordinated. The Memory Clinic offers:

• Diagnosis and investigation of the causes of memory loss
• Evaluations of:
  • Competency
  • Home safety
  • Driving safety
  • Ability to continue working
  • Financial competency
• Interventions and treatments of:
  • Medications
  • Memory-strengthening exercises and skill-building techniques
  • Physical, occupational & speech therapy
• Connections to community resources:
  • Support groups & counseling information & resources
  • Social services support
  • Connection to home care services

Everyone forgets things sometimes. What symptoms indicate a memory disorder?
Occasional forgetfulness is common. However, when someone develops a pattern of forgetting where items are placed, common words, or the name of someone close to them, a memory disorder may be the cause. Other functions that may be impaired include:

• Poor attention and lack of concentration
• Personality change
• changes in the ability to manage routine tasks
• Decreased interest in social activities or favorite hobbies

Causes of Memory Loss
Dementia is the medical term that refers to memory loss. It indicates a general decline in memory functioning. There are many causes for dementia, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease.

Memory loss may be associated with the following conditions:

• Depression
• Thyroid conditions
• Anxiety
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Sleep disorders
• Head injuries
• Stroke
• Attention deficit disorder

Some of these conditions may be treatable. Even if the cause of the memory loss is found to be irreversible, there are treatments and educational supports available to assist patients and their caregivers. The professionals at the Memory Clinic are knowledgeable and ready to help connect patients and caregivers to community resources.

How are assessments made at The Memory Clinic?

• The first step involves a meeting between the patient, involved caregivers, and the neuropsychologist. They review the evolution of the patient’s problem and its impact on the patient and his or her loved ones.
• The clinical team then meets to review the results of the interview and to determine what further evaluations may be beneficial.
• Next steps may include a referral to: The team neurologist, who may schedule diagnostic tests such as a CT Scan, MRI, lab work, and/or more detailed neurological testing; The team neuropsychologist, for a more formal testing of memory, learning, and emotional functioning; The team occupational therapist, for an evaluation to determine how this problem impacts the patient’s daily functioning at home and in the community.
• The clinical team will develop a therapeutic plan based on the diagnosis and test results. A follow-up visit will be scheduled, and the patient and caregivers will be given a full explanation of the prescribed therapeutic plan, which may include medications, memory exercises, counseling, and guidance to community resources.

Professionals involved with The Memory Clinic
In conjunction with a patient’s primary care physician, a team of neurological and psychological experts offer a program of coordinated care:

• Jeffrey Fecko, MD Neurologist, Medical Director
• Philip Morse, PhD Neuropsychologist
• Bennett S. Slotnick, PhD Neuropsychologist
• David Jones, DO Psychiatrist

Additionally, the support team includes SMMC nursing, social services, and rehabilitation staff.