The multidisciplinary team at the UF Memory and Cognitive Disorders Clinic is committed to advancing the level of neurological care by pioneering new techniques, developing new treatments and bringing discoveries to patients.

The UF Memory and Cognitive Disorders Clinic team evaluates each patient and summarizes the evaluation in a detailed report, which helps determine recommended follow-up tests and therapies. The reports are available to the consulting physicians and to the family for ongoing questions, discussion or recommendations regarding long-term care management

The clinic is one of thirteen memory disorder clinics or centers in Florida to receive partial support from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, a statewide program addressing the concerns of people in Florida who are dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The Memory and Cognitive Disorders Clinic is for patients who have difficulty with:

• memory
• speech
• reading
• writing
• skilled movements
• other “higher” thinking skills

With ongoing education and research, the Shands at UF team is increasing information about brain-related functions, brain changes and new treatments for diseases of the brain, including Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

About Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. It is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that affects memory, thinking and behavior. The cause of the disease is not entirely understood, but is thought to relate to genetic and environmental factors. Alzheimer’s disease causes both structural and chemical problems in the brain, and appears to disconnect areas of the brain that normally work together.

Diagnosis

People with Alzheimer’s disease not only suffer from memory problems, but also from changes in:

• language
• decision-making ability
• judgment
• attention
• personality

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is made from these characteristic symptoms and also by excluding other causes of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease progresses differently in each patient.

• If the disease develops rapidly, it is likely to continue to progress rapidly.
• If it develops slowly, it is likely to progress slowly.

Treatment

No cure is available today for Alzheimer’s disease, but new treatments are on the horizon. The team at The Memory and Cognitive Disorders Clinic can provide treatment and support strategies. Research has shown that effective care and support can improve the quality of life for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, as well as for their caregivers.

Information about therapeutic and other clinical trials being conducted is also available.

Information

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Shands HealthCare Consultation Center at (800) 749-7424 or (352) 265-8000.

Shands at UF Neurological and Neurosurgery services were ranked 44th in the country by U.S.News&World Report. Learn more.

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Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about neurology services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.