Memory & Dementia Clinic
Our Memory & Dementia Clinic evaluates problems with memory, thinking, and concentration to find the cause. Some causes are reversible and treatable; others are forms of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. Using cognitive testing, brain imaging, and blood tests, our neurologists reach a clear diagnosis and build a personalized plan of medication, support, and follow-up for patients and their families.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
The Memory & Dementia Clinic is for anyone worried about memory loss or changes in thinking, language, planning, or orientation — whether the person affected or a concerned family member. A careful work-up matters because the cause is not always dementia. Some memory problems stem from reversible conditions such as thyroid or vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, sleep disorders, or medication side effects, while others reflect dementia such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body, or frontotemporal dementia. Our neurologists combine detailed cognitive testing, a clinical and medication review, brain imaging, and blood tests — and, when indicated, a lumbar puncture for biomarkers — to reach an accurate diagnosis. Treatment is then tailored to the cause: correcting reversible problems, prescribing medicines such as cholinesterase inhibitors where appropriate, and supporting day-to-day function.
Because some causes of memory loss can be fully reversed, excluding treatable conditions is a priority before any diagnosis of dementia is made. Where dementia is confirmed, our multidisciplinary team focuses on managing symptoms, planning for safety and the future, and supporting caregivers, who are partners in care throughout. For international patients, a dedicated coordinator guides every step. We offer a remote review of your medical records and prior scans before you travel, and you receive a transparent, itemized cost estimate in advance so there are no surprises.
Who is a candidate?
- People noticing memory loss, forgetfulness, or difficulty concentrating that is affecting daily life
- Families who have observed changes in a loved one's memory, language, mood, judgment, or behavior
- Patients with confusion or cognitive changes that have not yet been explained or diagnosed
- Those seeking a second opinion on a previous diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment
- People wanting to rule out reversible causes such as vitamin deficiency, thyroid problems, or medication effects
- Patients already diagnosed with dementia who need a structured management and support plan
What happens
- 1
Assessment & cognitive testing
Your visit begins with a detailed conversation about symptoms, their timeline, daily impact, and medical and family history, ideally with a relative present. Standardized cognitive tests then measure memory, attention, language, and problem-solving, and we review all current medications for effects that can mimic or worsen memory problems.
- 2
Investigations
We arrange brain imaging with MRI or CT and a panel of blood tests to look for treatable contributors such as thyroid, vitamin B12, or metabolic problems. In selected cases, a lumbar puncture is performed to measure biomarkers that help distinguish Alzheimer's disease from other causes.
- 3
Diagnosis & treatment plan
Your neurologist brings the findings together to explain the most likely cause in clear terms and answer your questions. Reversible conditions are treated directly; where dementia is diagnosed, we discuss appropriate medicines, realistic expectations, and the practical steps ahead with you and your family.
- 4
Support & follow-up
We provide guidance on safety, daily routines, and future planning, and connect families with caregiver support. A follow-up schedule tracks symptoms and treatment response, and your coordinator helps arrange remote reviews so care can continue after you return home.
Benefits
- Identifies reversible causes of memory loss that can be treated or fully corrected
- Accurate diagnosis distinguishing dementia from other conditions, guiding the right care
- Comprehensive work-up — cognitive testing, imaging, blood tests, and biomarkers — in one coordinated visit
- Medication and strategies that can ease symptoms and support independence for longer
- Multidisciplinary team that includes and supports family members and caregivers
- Clear explanations and future planning that reduce uncertainty for patients and families
Risks & considerations
- Most forms of dementia cannot be cured; treatment aims to manage symptoms, not reverse the disease
- Medicines such as cholinesterase inhibitors help some people and some dementia types, but not all, and benefits can be modest
- A diagnosis may take time and more than one assessment, as some conditions become clearer only with follow-up
- Available medicines may cause side effects, which are monitored and managed by the team
- Imaging and cognitive tests cannot always identify the exact cause with certainty at an early stage
- A lumbar puncture, when needed, carries small risks such as headache or discomfort at the site
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Neurological Sciences Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Memory & Dementia Clinic — frequently asked questions
No. Many causes of memory problems are reversible — including thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, sleep disorders, and side effects of certain medications. This is exactly why a careful assessment matters: we work to identify and treat any reversible cause before considering a diagnosis of dementia.
Assessment typically includes standardized cognitive tests, a review of your symptoms and medications, brain imaging with MRI or CT, and blood tests to check for treatable causes. In some cases we also recommend a lumbar puncture to measure biomarkers that help identify Alzheimer's disease and distinguish it from other conditions.
Most forms of dementia cannot currently be cured. However, much can be done: reversible causes are corrected, medicines such as cholinesterase inhibitors can ease symptoms for some types of dementia, and our team supports planning, safety, and daily function. The goal is to manage the condition and protect quality of life for as long as possible.
Yes. We encourage a remote review of your medical history and any previous scans or test results before you travel. This helps our specialists understand your situation in advance, plan your visit efficiently, and advise on what to expect — including a personalized, itemized cost estimate.
Cost and visit length depend on which tests and follow-up you need, so we provide a transparent, itemized estimate tailored to your individual situation rather than a fixed price. Your coordinator will share this with you in advance, along with an expected timeline, once your records have been reviewed.
Related treatments
Considering memory & dementia clinic?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.