Memory center full range of conditions treated

Dementia is a general term that refers to impairment in memory and other areas of thinking severe enough to negatively impact an individual’s daily functioning. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting 5.3 million Americans. Our experienced team of experts provides advanced diagnosis and comprehensive care for all forms of dementia and many other diseases and conditions related to memory loss, including:

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

Mild cognitive impairment is diagnosed when there are noticeable changes in memory or other areas of thinking that are not severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. MCI can be of the amnestic (primarily affecting memory) or nonamnestic type (primarily affecting areas of thinking other than memory). Not all individuals diagnosed with MCI go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease, though they are at increased risk. Visit the Alzheimer’s Association to learn more.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disorder of the brain. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. The hallmark symptom is memory loss or forgetfulness. Other symptoms can include impairment in communication, reasoning and judgment as well as changes in personality and behavior. Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, and the majority of individuals diagnosed with AD are over age 65. Only about 200,000 Americans have younger onset Alzheimer’s disease, which is diagnosed before age 65. Visit the Alzheimer's Association for more information.

• Down syndrome: Individuals with Down syndrome are at significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. People with Down syndrome often develop Alzheimer’s before the age of 65. Visit Advocate’s Adult Down Syndrome Center to learn more. 

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)

Frontotemporal dementia is a group of disorders that involves damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. FTD often occurs at a younger age than Alzheimer’s disease; the typical age of onset is 50s or 60s. Impairments in FTD are typically in areas of either language/communication (PPA - Primary Progressive Aphasia) or behavior/personality (bvFTD - Behavioral Variant FTD). Visit The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration to learn more.

Lewy body dementia (LBD)

The central feature of LBD is progressive cognitive decline, combined with three additional defining features: (1) pronounced fluctuations in alertness and attention; (2) recurrent visual hallucinations; and (3) parkinsonian motor symptoms, such as rigidity and balance issues. Visit the Lewy Body Dementia Association to learn more.

Vascular dementia (VaD)

Vascular dementia is an impairment in memory and other areas of thinking resulting from reduced blood flow to the brain. VaD can be caused by stroke, the cumulative effect of mini-strokes or other conditions that damage blood vessels and decrease circulation. Visit the National Stroke Association to learn more.

Corticobasal degeneration (CBD)

CBD is a rare degenerative neurological condition. Common symptoms of CBD include difficulty with walking/balance, speech impairment and memory issues. Symptoms of CBD typically start around age 60, though they can start earlier. Visit Cure PSP to learn more.  

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

Creutzfeldt-Jakob is a degenerative brain disorder marked by a rapid increase in confusion, personality changes, blurred vision and sudden involuntary movements. Unlike other dementias, CJD typically progresses rapidly. Visit the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation to learn more.

Korsakoff syndrome (or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome)

Korsakoff syndrome is a memory disorder that results from a thiamine (B-1) deficiency. Korsakoff syndrome is commonly associated with alcoholism, though it can also be caused by other health conditions or a dietary deficiency. Visit the Alzheimer's Association to learn more.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)

Normal pressure hydrocephalus results from an accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. The three hallmark symptoms of NPH are changes in walking, cognitive (thinking) impairment and urinary incontinence. NPH usually affects individuals in their 60s and 70s. Visit the Hydrocephalus Association to learn more.

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA)

PCA is a rare neurological condition characterized by impairment in visual processing; memory and thinking can also become impaired. Symptoms of PCA most often appear in individuals age 50 to 65. Visit the Alzheimer’s Association to learn more.

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a movement disorder that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Common symptoms include imbalance/unsteady gait (walking), personality changes and weakened eye movements. PSP is often diagnosed in individuals in their 60s, though symptoms can start earlier. Visit Cure PSP to learn more.