Expert Care for Memory and Cognitive Disorders with Neurology Clinic P.C.
When cognitive and memory changes become noticeable and disruptive to daily life, a neurological evaluation can help determine a specific diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. Many memory and cognitive disorders can be managed to help you maintain dignity and independence for as long as possible. At Neurology Clinic P.C., our board-certified neurologists provide thorough cognitive and Alzheimer’s evaluations and personalized treatment plans using evidence-based care.
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What Are Memory and Cognitive Disorders?
Memory and cognitive disorders are neurological conditions that impair one or more aspects of cognitive function, including memory, language, attention, executive function (planning, organizing, problem-solving), visuospatial ability, and social cognition. These disorders, called neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, involve the progressive loss of neurons in specific brain regions. Cerebrovascular disease can cause cognitive impairment through strokes, small vessel disease, or chronic reduced blood flow to the brain. Other potentially reversible contributors include medication effects, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, depression, sleep disorders, and infections.
Because different types of dementia have distinct underlying causes, clinical features, rates of progression, and treatment considerations, a thorough neurological evaluation is essential to developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Which Memory and Cognitive Conditions Do Our Neurologists Treat?
Each type of dementia and cognitive disorder has its own characteristic pattern of symptoms, affected brain regions, and disease course. Below are the conditions we most commonly evaluate and manage:
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s accounts for an estimated 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. It is caused by the abnormal buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which disrupts communication between neurons and eventually leads to cell death.
The most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:
- Progressive memory loss (especially of recent events)
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- Confusion about time or place
- Trouble finding the right words
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps
- Poor judgment
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Changes in mood or personality
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia is caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits (called Lewy bodies) in the brain.
Common symptoms of Lewy body dementia include:
- Fluctuating alertness and attention
- Recurrent visual hallucinations
- Parkinson’s-like movement symptoms (stiffness, slow movement, tremor)
- Sleep disturbances (especially acting out dreams during REM sleep)
- Difficulty with spatial awareness and visual perception
- Memory and thinking problems that may worsen over time
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia encompasses a group of disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, often due to abnormal protein accumulation. It tends to appear earlier than other dementias, often between the ages of 45 and 65.
The most common symptoms of frontotemporal dementia include:
- Marked changes in personality and behavior (such as impulsivity, loss of empathy, or social disinhibition)
- Difficulty with language, either producing speech sounds or understanding words
- Apathy or loss of motivation
- Compulsive or repetitive behaviors
- Problems with planning and sequencing tasks
It is important to note that memory is often relatively preserved in the early stages of frontotemporal dementia, which can lead to delayed evaluation and diagnosis.
Cerebrovascular Disease and Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Cerebrovascular disease is a broad term for conditions that affect blood flow to the brain, including stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), cerebral small vessel disease, and chronic hypoperfusion. When cerebrovascular disease causes or contributes to cognitive impairment, it is called vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) or vascular dementia. Vascular cognitive impairment is the second most common cause of dementia overall, and cerebrovascular disease frequently coexists with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, creating a mixed dementia presentation.
The pattern of cognitive impairment in cerebrovascular disease depends on the location, size, and number of vascular lesions. Large-vessel strokes can cause sudden, focal cognitive deficits, while small-vessel disease, the accumulation of damage to the brain’s smallest blood vessels, typically produces a more gradual decline in processing speed, executive function, and attention. Identifying and managing cerebrovascular risk factors is central to treatment, as many of the underlying contributors to vascular cognitive impairment are modifiable.
Common symptoms of vascular cognitive impairment:
- Slowed thinking and processing speed, mental sluggishness, or taking longer to respond, reason, or complete tasks
- Difficulty with planning, organizing, and executing multi-step tasks
- Impaired attention and concentration
- A stepwise pattern of decline, with periods of relative stability interrupted by sudden worsening, often corresponding to new vascular events
- Gait disturbance, including shuffling, unsteadiness, or frequent falls
- Mood changes, including depression, emotional lability (sudden, exaggerated laughing or crying), and apathy
- Urinary urgency or incontinence
- In cases of mixed dementia, memory loss and language difficulty may also be present, reflecting the contribution of a coexisting neurodegenerative process
Why Do Patients Choose Neurology Clinic P.C. for Their Cognitive and Memory Disorder Treatment?
Neurology Clinic P.C. provides patients with access to neurologists experienced in evaluating and managing neurodegenerative disorders. Diagnostic resources and a coordinated care approach support patients from initial assessment through ongoing treatment. Many individuals with memory and cognitive disorders have experienced progressive decline that feels frightening and uncertain. At Neurology Clinic P.C., the goal of care is to identify the underlying cause of cognitive decline and develop a treatment plan based on established, evidence-based approaches.
Our neurologists remain at the forefront of current developments in Alzheimer’s and dementia research and treatment, including medication therapies, caregiver resources, behavioral and occupational therapies, and supportive interventions. Care plans are reviewed and adjusted over time based on symptom progression, treatment response, and individual patient needs.
When Should You See a Neurologist for Memory and Cognitive Disorder Treatment?
When memory and cognitive changes worsen or begin to interfere with your daily life, a neurological evaluation can provide clarity and a clear path forward. You should schedule a neurological evaluation for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia when you experience:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily routines
- Increased short-term memory loss, such as forgetting recently learned information or important dates
- New difficulty with planning, problem-solving, or following familiar processes
- Confusion about time, place, or the sequence of events
- Hallucinations, changes in empathy, increasingly erratic behavior, or trouble planning
- Trouble understanding visual or spatial relationships
- New problems with words or speech and difficulty following or joining conversations
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment, especially with finances or personal care
- Withdrawal from work, hobbies, or social activities
- Noticeable changes in mood or personality, including increased anxiety, suspicion, or confusion
Experiencing one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean a person has dementia. Some causes of cognitive change, such as medication side effects, thyroid conditions, vitamin deficiencies, and depression, are treatable or reversible. When it comes to your memory and cognition, a thorough evaluation is essential to determining an appropriate treatment plan.
Your Memory and Cognitive Disorder Consultation & Treatment at Neurology Clinic P.C.
We view evaluations as the beginning of a collaborative partnership. Our neurologists are specialists in cognitive disorder care, and they have the resources, training, experience, and industry connections to get you the care you need when you need it.
You can expect your experience at Neurology Clinic P.C. to include:
Preparing for Your Consultation
For cognitive evaluations, it is particularly helpful to have a family member, close friend, or caregiver present who can provide their own observations about the changes they have noticed. Their perspective is an important part of the assessment.
Comprehensive Neurological Evaluation
During your evaluation, your neurologist will review your complete medical, cognitive, and behavioral history; conduct a detailed neurological examination; and administer cognitive testing to assess memory, attention, language, executive function, and visuospatial ability. Your evaluation will also include a careful review of current medications, medical conditions, sleep patterns, mood, and functional abilities in daily life.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Based on your initial evaluation, your neurologist may recommend additional diagnostic testing. This may include MRI of the brain to evaluate for patterns of atrophy, white matter disease, or evidence of prior strokes; blood work to screen for metabolic, nutritional, hormonal, and inflammatory contributors to cognitive impairment; formal neuropsychological testing for a detailed, standardized assessment of cognitive function across multiple domains; and, in selected cases, lumbar puncture for Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, PET imaging, or EEG.
Diagnosis & Personalized Treatment Plan
Once testing is complete, your neurologist will explain your diagnosis and outline a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition, stage, and goals. Your treatment may include medications to manage cognitive symptoms or slow progression where available, management of cerebrovascular risk factors, treatment of contributing medical conditions, referrals for speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, safety recommendations for the home environment, and guidance on driving assessment, legal planning, and caregiver support.
Ongoing Support & Monitoring
Memory and cognitive disorders are conditions that require ongoing, attentive care over months and years. We encourage regular follow-up appointments to monitor cognitive and functional status, adjust medications, address emerging behavioral or medical issues, support caregivers, and discuss whether any active clinical research studies may offer access to emerging therapies. As the disease progresses, we help families navigate transitions in care, coordinate with other providers, and connect with community resources.
Get Clarity about Your Cognitive Changes – Schedule Your Cognitive Evaluation Today
When memory and cognitive changes become concerning or are noticeable to others, seeking a specialist evaluation allows for appropriate treatment, practical planning, and access to the right support at the right time. At Neurology Clinic P.C., our neurologists assess cognitive disorders and Alzheimer’s disease and develop treatment plans to support your independence, confidence, and dignity.
Contact Neurology Clinic P.C. by calling (901) 747-1111 or request your consultation online to schedule your memory and cognitive disorder evaluation.
Memory and Cognitive Disorders FAQs
How should I prepare for my dementia disease evaluation?
To learn more about planning and preparing for your first appointment, please visit our patient information page. To make the most of your evaluation and provide your neurologist with the most detailed information possible, please come to your appointment with:
- A list of the specific changes you’ve observed: when they started, how frequently they occur, and whether they seem to be getting worse.
- A list of all current medications (including over-the-counter supplements), any relevant medical records or prior test results, and your loved one’s insurance card and referral if required.
- Any information you may have about a family history of dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other neurological conditions.
Where can I find more memory care resources?
We understand that the cost of care for dementia and Alzheimer’s is sometimes prohibitive, especially when you reach the point of considering inpatient care. We encourage our patients to visit memorycare.com to explore assistance options, state laws and regulations, and free resources.
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
Neurology Clinic P.C. provides consultations, evaluations, and diagnostic services on a physician referral basis. If you think you need a neurological evaluation, contact your primary care provider for a referral.
Does Neurology Clinic P.C. participate in research studies related to cognitive disorders?
Yes. Our clinic actively participates in clinical trials in partnership with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Our dedicated research team comprises physicians, neuropsychologists, and registered nurses who can discuss whether any current studies may be appropriate for your condition. For research inquiries, call 901-866-9252 or email research@neuroclinic.org.