Dementia Care

Help For Those With Memory Changes

The Mile Bluff Memory Assessment Clinic provides diagnosis and support to patients and caregivers living with the effects of dementia, memory loss, or Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is a general term used to describe thinking and memory issues serve enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Other conditions can cause dementia as well, such as mild cognitive impairment, Lewy body disease, and stroke.

Through individual diagnostic assessment that includes a detailed history, physical assessment, and cognitive testing, our memory clinic staff is able to offer recommendations for care, patient and family education and follow-up support for both the patient and the caregivers.

Benefits of a Memory Evaluation

Some people are reluctant to seek a memory evaluation because they are afraid or ashamed of the changes they are experiencing. Other simply do not recognize their memory changes.

However, if you are concerned about your memory or concerned about the memory of a family member, it is important to have a reliable evaluation. Not everyone who undergoes a memory evaluation has memory problems. In fact, you may learn important information about your health that can help you prevent or delay dementia in the future.

If an evaluation finds you are experiencing dementia, determining the cause will be critical for the following reasons:

• the symptoms may be treatable or reversible
• certain treatments are more effective when started early
• some dementia conditions may not get worse; having that information may decrease anxiety
• understanding changes can help avoid other medical issues
• a diagnosis allows you and your family to seek education on you condition, find support services, and make informed decisions and plans about your future

What to Expect During a Memory Clinic Visit

A visit to a memory clinic will include a physical exam, review of your medical history, and tests that measure your memory, thinking, and problem-solving skills. You will be asked questions about your medications, sleep health, mood, and ability to perform daily tasks. A provider may ask you to undergo brain imaging scans and blood tests.

It is helpful to bring a family member who knows you well to accompany you to your memory clinic visit.

After your assessment, memory clinic staff will explain the results either immediately after your appointment or during a follow-up visit. Based on your diagnosis, clinic staff will review options for treatment, including medications or healthy lifestyle recommendations. The clinic staff will also supply you with information about community support services for patients and families living with dementia and offer recommendations for maintaining independence.

When to Seek Help

The following list describes situations that may indicate serious memory problems:

• difficulty completing familiar tasks; for example, planning and cooking a meal, paying bills, or doing household tasks
• confusion with time, place or people
• new problems with words in speaking, writing or repeating oneself
• misplacing or hiding things
• withdrawal from activities
• changes in mood and personality

Our Affiliated Program

Mile Bluff Memory Assessment Clinic is a affiliated with the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, a statewide network of memory clinics that follow best practice guidelines. These clinics use a team of dementia care experts to perform high-quality, thorough evaluations. The specially trained professionals recognize the importance of early diagnosis of memory problems and recommend treatments and services that can help patients and their families.

Mile Bluff Memory Assessment Clinic is provided at Mile Bluff Clinic in Mauston. For more information or to make an appointment, call 608-847-5000.

Information provided by the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute and Alzheimer's Association.