Serving Michigan
Memory Disorders
Memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia affect more than your ability to remember. They change your cognitive abilities, which include thinking, reasoning and concentration. Memory disorders can also bring unexpected changes that cause stress and uncertainty for patients and their loved ones.
At Trinity Health Michigan, there’s hope for happier days. We are home to some of the state’s first memory disorder programs. We offer a depth of experience and comprehensive care that makes life a little easier for patients and families.
Memory Care at Trinity Health Michigan: Why Choose Us?
We use a team approach to deliver the best possible therapies and support. Neurologists specializing in memory disorders work alongside neuropsychologists, pharmacists, nurses and social workers. We tailor treatments and services that help your family feel cared for — mind, body and spirit.
Memory disorders typically have no cure, but treatment may slow their progression and ease symptoms. We recommend the best options for your loved one’s current circumstances while planning for their future needs. Our family-centered approach includes assistance navigating practical challenges, like emotional issues and maintaining a safe home environment.
Memory Disorder Diagnosis
Memory care diagnosis typically includes lab tests, physical and neurological exams, and imaging studies. Advanced options, like single photon emission CT (SPECT) scans and DaTscan™, help us diagnose specific dementias with a high degree of accuracy. Explore neurodiagnostics.
Memory Disorder Treatments and Support Services
Our team takes time to explain your loved one’s diagnosis and how it affects cognitive function. It’s natural for patients and families to feel a range of emotions, including anger, fear and a sense of loss. We are here for you with support, encouragement and tips for moving forward with your lives.
This conversation also includes a detailed explanation of the treatment plan and what to expect. Your loved one’s memory care may include:
Medications and Medication Management
Certain medications slow disease progression, while others boost memory and thinking capabilities. We may also prescribe drugs to relieve specific symptoms, like sleep issues, depression and anxiety.
Pharmacists familiar with memory care help your loved one have a safe care experience. They ensure your loved one receives appropriate drugs in the correct doses while screening for potential interactions. Pharmacists also work with other team members to tailor medications as your loved one’s needs change.
Mood and Behavioral Management
Memory disorders can bring mood changes and new behaviors that complicate tasks and relationships. Your loved one may become easily agitated, misunderstand what others are saying or get lost.
We help families manage these issues with tactics that may include having a daily routine and sticking to it. You also learn how to determine your loved one’s needs and preferences if they cannot communicate them.
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychologists are psychologists with training in neurology. They assess the impact of memory disorders on cognitive abilities. Trinity Health Michigan is among the few regional programs whose teams include ongoing input from neuropsychologists.
Routine neuropsychology assessments help us determine the severity of memory disorder symptoms and track changes over time. We use this information to determine how quickly a memory disorder is progressing. It helps us adjust therapies and coordinate additional support services as necessary.
Support
We are with you at every turn. Our nurse practitioner answers questions between appointments and coordinates your loved one’s care. Social workers connect you with numerous services, including local support groups. Neuro-palliative care physicians are also available to navigate major decisions, like whether assisted living is right for your loved one.
Additional offerings include memory disorder support groups for patients and their loved ones. Find out more about specialized neurology services and support.
Types of Memory Disorders We Treat
Memory disorders we treat include:
- Alzheimer’s: Abnormal brain proteins (tau) clump together, causing brain cells to stop functioning
- Dementia with Lewy bodies: Abnormal proteins (Lewy bodies) build up in brain tissue, affecting cognitive function
- Frontotemporal dementia: Cells shrink in the frontal and temporal lobes, areas of the brain that control cognitive function
- Mild cognitive impairment: Slight mental decline that’s a normal part of aging, but in some people, it progresses to a memory disorder
- Vascular dementia: Memory disorder due to conditions such as stroke and head injuries that occur when the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen