Memory Disorder Care
Wellstar offers comprehensive care for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other memory disorders. Patients can have a complete memory evaluation and learn how to manage their condition, including participation in clinical trials aimed at developing new therapies for memory loss.
Expert Care for People with Memory Disorders
A specialized team for comprehensive care
Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia can take a toll on patients and their families. While Alzheimer's disease cannot be cured, finding it early can help patients and caregivers manage and cope better with the condition. Wellstar offers the expertise and resources needed to address the challenges of having a loved one with a memory disorder in metro Atlanta and Augusta.Our team is made up of specialists in neurology, geriatric psychiatry, neuropsychology and research. Wellstar participates in clinical trials that are focused on developing new therapies to treat memory loss.
Recognized memory care
Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center provides advanced care to people in Augusta and the surrounding areas. Our Alzheimer's disease program offers patients the option for early assessments so they can be seen at our Memory Disorders Clinic sooner. We partner with Georgia Memory Net, a statewide program dedicated to the early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.Warning signs of memory disorders
People with serious memory problems should make an appointment as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can help people and their families manage memory conditions better. If a patient has had blood work or brain imaging in the past year, please bring the results with you on your first visit.Alzheimer's disease signs & symptoms
There are certain signs that you or a loved one might be in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, including:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty with familiar tasks
- Language problems like mixing up words, repetition or switching languages
- Inattention or trouble keeping a train of thought during conversation
- Disorientation
- Poor judgment
- Problems with abstract thinking (ideas not related to physical objects or experiences)
- Misplacing things
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Changes in personality
- Loss of initiative
Diagnosing memory disorders
Wellstar offers a diagnostic memory assessment to people who are experiencing memory problems. Patients are first evaluated by a physician, and if appropriate, further testing is ordered, including:
- Lab work
- Brain imaging with MRI, CT or PET scan
- Cognitive assessment with a neuropsychologist to determine the extent of the memory problems
Memory disorder treatment
Wellstar patients benefit from having evidence-based treatments based on the latest research findings, access to clinical trials and a team of memory care experts. Our aim is to provide expert management of symptoms and help you achieve a better quality of life. Our Augusta campus, Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, is an academic research hospital and a Movement and Memory Disorder Center of Excellence.After testing for memory disorders is complete, patients and their families will meet with the doctor to discuss test results, diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
While current treatments do not cure Alzheimer’s disease, they can help improve symptoms of memory loss and reasoning problems. Recently, a promising new drug was approved that helps slow cognitive and functional decline in early-stage cases of the disease.
While new treatments are slow to emerge, there are clinical studies that help experts better understand how the disease changes the brain in hopes of developing treatments that can stop or delay its progress. If patients qualify for a clinical trial and are interested in participating, we will also discuss this during a follow-up visit.