Clinical Services

What can I expect from a clinical evaluation?

Not all memory concerns lead to a diagnosis of dementia, however, if you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of memory loss or cognitive impairment that are concerning, we recommend contact your primary care provider who will help determine if a referral to the University of Rochester medical center is needed. 

On the day of the patient’s first visit, they will first meet with one of our physicians who are all specialty trained in evaluation of patients with memory and cognitive disorders for approximately one hour. It is important for the patient to bring someone who knows them well to the visit so the physician can obtain information about the nature and progression of memory issues. In addition, the physician will assess the person’s cognition (memory and thinking ability) and determine if other testing is needed to make a diagnosis. These tests may include lab work, brain imaging and neuropsychological testing. 

After the testing is complete, our providers will work as a comprehensive team to create a treatment plan that is specific to that patient that considers the patients emotional concerns and social situation. The treatment plan may include medications, but may also include non-medication treatment of emotional and sleep disorders along with implementing a healthy brain lifestyle plan. Living a healthy brain lifestyle includes focusing on physical exercise, intellectual stimulation, social engagement and heart healthy diet to maintain cognitive function. Once the treatment plan is created, the patient may see one of our nurse practitioners and physician assistants for follow up visits. 

We also realize that the caregiver is often in need of support as well and as part of an interdisciplinary team we partner with social work and licensed counselors to provide this support as well as partner with local organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and Lifespan.