WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
WHO defines dementia as a syndrome – usually of a chronic or progressive nature-
in which there is deterioration in cognitive function (i.e., the ability to process thoughts)
beyond what might be expected from normal aging.)
DEMENTIA/ MEMORY CLINIC
This clinic is first ever clinic of such kind in North-eastern region of India keeping in c
oncern for all the patients with memory disorders especially evident in old ages.
DEMENTIA/ MEMORY CLINIC are specialist care hub which provides detailed cognitive assessments for patients who complain of cognitive decline
in any of the 6 domains including memory disturbances . Once cognitive disorder is confirmed , the team provide support, expert advice, and
cognitive stimulation therapies in addition to medications encompassing multidisciplinary care and support not only to the patients and
also to their caregivers. Importantly it runs an integrated program for the persons with dementia and their families. Nemcare Super
Speciality Hospital is specialized to provide exclusive care in this regard with its own Memory Clinic for people living with Dementia.
WHY SHOULD ONE VISIT A MEMORY CLINIC?
The idea behind a memory clinic is that it will provide a comprehensive picture of any memory problems one might be facing. They can provide
a diagnosis, offer treatment where appropriate and provide necessary advice. More importantly, they have plenty of experience and more time
during the appointment than a doctor usually provides the patient.
WHAT DO MEMORY CLINICS DO?
Memory clinic will be able to offer assessment for people suffering with memory difficulties
or problems related to thinking. The key goal will be centred around reversible causes of memory
disturbances which are very much treatable. Memory clinic will include detailed history and physical
examination by our cognitive expert followed by detailed cognitive evaluation by clinical psychologist.
Psychiatrist will be referred to as and when required. Investigation will be performed in various format
depending on the patient’s provisional diagnosis which will include necessary blood investigations, imaging
study and genetic tests (if required) . The memory clinic ought to give not only medications but comprehensive
care and management for the disease including various cognitive stimulation task, music therapy, relaxation technique etc.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Once the diagnosis of cognitive disorder is made by the Dementia /Memory Clinic one may be referred for further ongoing diagnosis.
You and your loved ones will be given information about patient condition so that one can starting to plan for the future,
which will include home care support the patient to live independently in his/her home.
Cognitive tests will help them to understand how one’s memory is functioning. They may also take some blood
or do an EEG or a scan. Sometimes, he/she may be asked for follow up with the doctor, nurse, or psychologist
to assess how the patient’s condition has progressed. For instance, patient may be less forgetful than the first
time his/her attended, or the condition might have remained stable.
