Memory & Cognitive Disorders

Evaluation should be considered when you notice changes in your thinking or memory, especially when these changes affect your daily life, including work, managing finances, keeping appointments or navigating familiar routines. This pattern of change is what broadly characterizes cognitive disorders.

There are many possible causes of cognitive disorders. Some are reversible, including medication side effects, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction or sleep disorders. Others may reflect an underlying progressive neurological condition. Our goal is to determine the cause accurately and as early as possible, so that the right treatment plan can begin without delay.

Our evaluation is comprehensive and tailored to each person. A thorough diagnosis typically includes:

1. Detailed interview with the patient and a family member or caregiver about symptom history and daily functioning
2. Neurological examination and structure cognitive and mental status testing
3. Formal neuropsychological testing to precisely characterize memory, language, attention and executive function
4. Brain imaging (MRI, CT or PET scan) and laboratory studies, as indicated
5. Additional testing when needed, including EEG (brainwave study), lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis or genetic testing

For patients who may have early Alzheimer's disease, advanced biomarker testing — including amyloid PET imaging or spinal fluid analysis — allows us to confirm the biological diagnosis with precision, even at the earliest symptomatic stage.

Our treatment approach is built around what matters most to you and your family. We use a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to manage symptoms, support function and in appropriate candidates, slow disease progression.

Medication management addresses specific symptoms, such as memory difficulty, sleep disruption, mood changes and agitation. Rehabilitation therapies, including speech, physical and occupational therapy, are offered through specialists with dedicated expertise in cognitive disorders.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of progressive memory loss. We know it begins as a biological process in the brain years before symptoms appear. Identifying the disease at its earliest symptomatic stage and intervening promptly offers the greatest opportunity to slow its course.

Amyloid Fast Track Program

Our dedicated Alzheimer’s Fast Track pathway is designed to move patients from initial concern to diagnosis and, when appropriate, to the start of treatment as quickly and safely as possible.

For patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's dementia who meet certain criteria, we offer access to FDA-approved anti-amyloid therapies (lecanemab and donanemab) that have been shown in clinical trials to slow cognitive and functional declined by approximately 30% over 18 months with continued demonstrated benefit for some time thereafter.

How the Fast Track Pathway Works

1. Rapid access evaluation by a cognitive neurologist or neuropsychiatrist with streamlined scheduling for patients with early memory concerns
2. Advanced biomarker confirmation of amyloid pathology using PET imaging or cerebrospinal fluid analysis
3. Comprehensive safety screening, including cardiac and imaging review for patients on blood thinners or with cardiovascular or other risk factors.
4. Initiation of anti-amyloid therapy, with ongoing monitoring for treatment response and safety.
5. Coordinated follow-up care integrating neurology, neuropsychology and support services throughout the treatment journey.

These therapies are appropriate for a specific group of patients: those with a confirmed diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or mild major neurocognitive disorder (dementia) due to Alzheimer's disease, which is caused by an accumulation of amyloid in the brain.

Not every patient with memory concerns will be a candidate, and our team will guide you through whether this pathway is right for you.

A diagnosis affects the entire family. Our social work team is an integral part of every patient’s care and can help with advanced care planning (including health care proxy and power of attorney), financial planning guidance, home safety assessments, driving safety counseling and connecting families to community resources and support groups.

Whatever your question or concern, we are here to help directly or to connect you to the appropriate services.