Memory center comprehensive evaluation & care

At the Advocate Memory Center, our goal is to provide the highest-quality, patient-centered care to diagnose the cause of memory loss, develop a plan of care and offer support to our patients and their care partners. Our sophisticated, multi-disciplinary approach focuses on the whole person to diagnose and treat memory loss diseases and conditions such as Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. We are committed to helping patients and their families every step of the way, from diagnosis and treatment to ongoing care.

Why is early evaluation important?

Getting evaluated is crucial once cognitive changes become a concern for patients or their family and friends, even if they haven't yet affected day-to-day functioning. Memory loss and other changes in thinking abilities can be a frightening experience that often is attributed to the normal aging process. This misperception, along with the fear of dementia, can prevent patients from talking to their physicians, which may delay diagnosis and treatment. An early evaluation may identify treatable causes for memory loss, such as depression, medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies or vascular disease, and allows earlier initiation of treatment. Learn more about the evaluation process.

Advanced treatment options

Our physicians and care team discuss with patients and their families a range of treatment options to develop the best plan for each unique situation. Treatment options include:

Medications for cognitive symptoms

Two classes of FDA-approved medications are available:

• Cholinesterase inhibitors: Inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger critical for learning and memory. These medications may provide modest benefit to memory and thinking for about 50 percent of patients. Cholinesterase inhibitors are typically well-tolerated; side effects may include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain.
  • Donepezil (Aricept): Approved for all stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Available in oral forms including a pill that is swallowed and a dissolvable tablet.
  • Rivastigmine (Exelon): Approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Available in a patch form or in oral form as a capsule or liquid.
  • Galantamine (Razadyne): Approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Available in oral form as a capsule or liquid.
• Memantine (Namenda): Controls the level of glutamate, another chemical in the brain involved in learning and memory. Memantine may provide some benefit to memory and daily functioning. Side effects are uncommon but may include tiredness or confusion, headaches, dizziness, constipation or diarrhea. Memantine is approved for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. It is available in tablet or liquid form.

Learn more about medication treatments for cognitive symptoms through the National Institutes of Health.

Medications for managing behavioral and psychiatric symptoms

Behavioral and psychiatric symptoms may include, among others: depression, agitation, hallucinations or delusions. Particularly if they appear suddenly, these symptoms may be due to physical health concerns; thorough medical evaluation is critical. Environmental conditions – for example, unfamiliar surroundings, a perceived threat, requests that the patient shower, excessive noise/activity or poor lighting – can trigger behavioral and psychiatric symptoms. Oftentimes, if the trigger is changed or removed, the patient’s behavior or reaction will also improve.

There are no medications approved to treat these symptoms of dementia. However, the physician can prescribe and monitor some medications available to treat depression or anxiety that may contribute to these symptoms.

Learn more about interventions for behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia.

Brain health measures

• Dietary measures: Enhances heart health and promotes cognitive wellness and brain health. Adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet – including high levels of olive oil, legumes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low levels of meat – appears to have benefits for cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of dementia.
• Physical exercise: Moderate intensity exercise appears to improve cognitive abilities and lower the risk of dementia.
• Mental stimulation: Cognitive, social and productive activities appear to have some benefits in reducing the risk of dementia.

Safety measures

• Home safety: Includes fall precautions, medication management and stove/appliance safety.
• Safety outside the home: Addresses concerns such as getting lost and vulnerability to predators.

Therapy referrals

• Physical therapy: Addresses changes in balance, strength or gait.
• Occupational therapy: Assists with strategies to maximize daily functioning.
• Speech or cognitive therapy: Enhances patients’ communication and language skills.

Social work services

• Counseling: Provides emotional support and coping strategies to patients and care partners.
• Disease education: Helps patients and their families better understand symptoms and disease course.
• Referral to community resources: Offers additional caregiving assistance, activity for patients or residential care options.
• Care planning discussions: Prepares for short- and long-term needs.

Leading-edge clinical research trials

Currently, available treatments are unable to cure patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia so research is an important part of developing more effective therapies for the future. Patients who want to participate in research may be able to do so, but there is never any obligation.

Learn more about research opportunities through the Advocate Memory Center.