- An interdisciplinary team of health care professionals work together to provide accurate diagnoses, from Alzheimer’s disease to vascular dementia. Go to Conditions Treated
- New and innovative treatments, including medications, lifestyle modifications, and therapy, for patients with neurodegenerative illnesses. Go to Treatments
- The latest, advanced clinical trials that provide access to novel treatment approaches. Go to Clinical Trials
- A multispecialty team of health care professionals working together to provide accurate diagnoses and guide treatments. Go to Your Care Team
- Comprehensive support services, including educational workshops, fitness classes, and support groups, to restore your high quality of life. Go to Support Services
- Easy access to dedicated nurse coordinators who work with you and your family to walk you through each step of your care. Go to Connecting to Care
The Stanford Health Care Center for Memory Disorders is encouraged that there is another new treatment option for certain patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Our neurologists are preparing to begin prescribing Donanemab.
Before contacting your Stanford Health Care neurologist to see whether Donanemab might be appropriate for you, please consider the safety information below. Many side effects will be like Lecanemab as noted in these FAQs.
Conditions Treated
At Stanford Health Care’s Center for Memory Disorders, we provide leading-edge, compassionate medical care for conditions that cause a progressive decline in functioning (neurodegenerative diseases). Our multispecialty team from the fields of neuropsychology, psychiatry, nursing, pharmacy, and genetic counseling collaborate closely with our behavioral neurologists, many of whom are leaders in their field.
There are many different causes of memory loss, and an accurate diagnosis by our experienced team is essential to getting the best treatment.
Memory disorders that we diagnose and treat include:
Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that leads to the death of brain cells, which causes memory loss and cognitive decline, affecting all aspects of brain function. It’s the most common cause of dementia.
Corticobasal degeneration results in nerve cell loss and wasting away (atrophy) of multiple areas of the brain.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CLD) is a rare, degenerative, fatal brain disorder that progresses rapidly. An abnormal form of a protein in the brain (prion) leads to CLD.
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), also known as Lewy body dementia (LBD), causes a gradual decline in mental function, sometimes with visual hallucinations. DLB may also cause movement problems similar to symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of brain disorders that happen when damage occurs to the nerve cells in the front (frontal) and side (temporal) lobes of the brain. FTD causes the lobes to shrink.
Huntington's disease causes degeneration in many regions of the brain and spinal cord.
Mild cognitive impairment refers to difficulties with cognitive functions, such as learning, making decisions, and remembering. These impairments are worse than expected for your age, but not severe enough to interfere with normal activities or relationships. Mild cognitive impairment may occur before (be a precursor to) a dementia diagnosis.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) results in an overaccumulation of fluid in the chambers of the brain called ventricles. NPH causes symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare, complex condition that affects the eye-moving region (supranuclear region) of the brain, causing progressive weakness in certain muscles. It can sometimes cause changes in behavior and thinking.
Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. Damage to brain tissue, which occurs due to decreased blood flow, causes VaD.
Stanford Health Care Memory Disorders Center doctors are highly respected for their specialized experience in treating progressive neurological conditions that affect cognitive or behavioral functioning. We offer personalized care to help manage symptoms and partner with you and your family at every step of your treatment plan.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- The Memory Disorders Center faculty study advanced neuroimaging technologies and lab-based studies of blood samples in an effort to make early diagnosis possible.
- We’re one of only about 30 National Institutes of Health (NIH)-designated Alzheimer’s Disease Centers in the US. We’re also a designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
- We’re one of 24 Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Association Research Centers of Excellence (RCOE) in the US, helping to advance LBD care, community outreach, and connecting patients with the latest LBD clinical trials.
- We’re part of a prestigious network of 55 Huntington’s Disease Centers of Excellence (HD COE) across the US, providing a multidisciplinary team approach to Huntington’s disease care.
- As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials for your diagnosis.
Most patients find their visits to the Memory Disorders Center pleasant, productive, and informative. Our goal is to help you find the cause of your symptoms and to offer you the best available treatments.
The first visit to the Center usually involves a thorough history and physical exam, plenty of face-to-face time with one of our behavioral neurologists, and ample time for questions. The result of that visit is often a plan for further diagnostic testing. Depending on your specific situation, this may include:
- Blood tests
- Cerebrospinal fluid test (CSF)
- State-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other brain scanning technologies such as a positron emission tomography (PET) scan
We frequently encourage our new patients to undergo a complete neuropsychological assessment with one of the specialty-trained neuropsychologists on our team during a separate visit. We can schedule this assessment at your convenience.
In addition to this intense initial evaluation, we offer longitudinal care. The neurologist whom you met at your initial visit will remain your "go-to" neurologist for as long as you require care. We learn a lot from our patients by staying in touch with them over the long term.
Treatment Options
Memory disorders vary widely: Some may worsen over time, while others stay the same. We aim to provide you with the latest treatments to help you manage your symptoms. Though many memory disorders don’t yet have a cure, research continues to pursue new and novel ways to treat these conditions.
Treatments you receive may include:
Medications can help lessen or control some memory and thinking (cognitive) and behavioral symptoms, depending on your specific condition. Medications for treating memory disorders include:
Amyloid reducing agents
The FDA has given accelerated approval for two drugs that may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and are only indicated for people with mild disease:
- Lecanemab (Leqembi®)
- Donanemab (Kisunla®)
These drugs target removal of brain amyloid, one of the proteins that build up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Before starting these drugs, your doctor will need to confirm the presence of amyloid in your brain. Your doctor will order either an amyloid PET scan or spinal tap.
The long-term effects of Lecanemab and Donanemab in people with early Alzheimer’s disease are still being studied.
Learn more about important safety, eligibility, and cost information for Lecanemab and Donanemab
Anti-anxiety medications (anxiolytics)
These medications help to treat anxiety and lessen restlessness. They can also be used to manage muscle twitches (myoclonus) if you have conditions such as corticobasal degeneration or Huntington’s disease.
Antidepressants
We may recommend an antidepressant (usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI) to help with depression and irritability.
Botulinum toxin (Botox®)
Botox can help to control involuntary muscle contractions (dystonia) associated with corticobasal degeneration.
Cholinesterase inhibitors
These drugs may help stop the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical in your brain that helps with memory. They may be most effective for reducing symptoms that affect memory and thinking in a mild or moderate form of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).
Movement disorder treatments
Medications can help to treat involuntary movements associated with Huntington’s disease. These treatments include:
- Deutetrabenazine
- Tetrabenazine
N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists
These drugs prevent excess levels of glutamate (a chemical that allows brain cells to communicate) from harming the brain. This may help delay decline in cognitive ability. Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist. Memantine may be most effective for a moderate to severe form of dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.
People with Alzheimer’s often take a NMDA receptor antagonist along with a cholinesterase inhibitor to better treat their symptoms. For instance, Namzaric® combines memantine and donepezil into one medication.
In addition to medical treatment, our doctors may recommend changes to your diet and lifestyle to help you control your symptoms.
Diet modifications can be particularly helpful if you have dementia. The MIND diet combines the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) with the Mediterranean diet. The MIND diet recommends eating 10 types of food, including vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, fish, beans, and poultry. It also recommends avoiding certain types of food, including butter, cheese, and fried food. Researchers are looking into whether the MIND diet can help to prevent or slow dementia.
Your care team also supports you in making other lifestyle changes that can help reduce your symptoms. Depending on your condition, these changes may include:
- Challenging your brain with activities or hobbies
- Decreasing alcohol consumption
- Getting enough sleep at night
- Managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and problems with heart rhythms, if needed
- Quitting smoking
- Staying active with regular exercise, such as walking
- Staying organized with a calendar or reminders
For some memory disorders, therapy can help with problems with coordination, recall, and speech. Specific therapies we recommend include:
- Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST): If you have mild to moderate dementia, a CST group helps you stay mentally stimulated with activities like cooking and singing
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help you manage day-to-day tasks
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can assist you in keeping your ability to move (mobility)
- Reality orientation training: This therapy helps you to remember basic information like the date and your name, possibly with notes or reminders throughout the area where you live
- Reminiscence therapy: This therapy encourages you to talk about events in your life, such as where you grew up or your work. It can be done in groups or one-on-one
- Speech therapy: Speech therapy can help with speaking and swallowing
Though surgery is generally not needed for memory disorders, it can help with certain conditions:
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH): Our doctors can place a tube (shunt) into your brain. The shunt drains the excess fluid into your abdomen, where your body absorbs it. A shunt can help with incontinence and changes in your gait, but doesn’t help with cognitive symptoms
Emotional support from friends, family, and counselors can help you to manage anxiety and fear over your condition. Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other therapists can all be helpful.
Care for memory disorders goes beyond medical treatments. We encircle you and your family with supportive services to help treat your mind, body, and soul.
Innovation Through Clinical Research
Stanford Health Care Neuroscience actively participates in groundbreaking research and clinical trials to evaluate new and better ways to diagnose, treat, and manage neurological disorders. Participating in a trial may give you access to experimental therapies that are not available otherwise. We also partner with the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute to better understand the brain, develop new treatments for brain disorders, and promote brain health.
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
Memory Loss: What is Normal Aging?
Neurologist Sharon Sha, MD, discusses dementia and aging at Stanford's 5th Annual Women's Health Forum.
Alzheimer’s Disease Questions: Answered!
Neurologist Sharon Sha, MD, discusses topics related to Alzheimer’s disease, including depression, type 2 diabetes, clinical trials, sleep, exercise, concussions, and more.
Your Circle of Care
A diagnosis of a neurological condition—and the changes it may bring—can be unsettling. We offer you and your caregivers the personalized support you need at every step. Your team listens to you and develops a plan for your situation. And you’ll work with the same team from diagnosis throughout treatment, so we can get to know you and your needs.
Each person’s experience is unique, which is why we provide personalized care. Our team tailors treatment and supportive services to meet your individual needs.
Your Doctors and Providers
Memory Disorders Specialist
A memory disorders specialist is a neurologist who specializes in diagnosing memory disorders and treating them with medications or other nonsurgical options.
View All {0} Memory Disorders SpecialistsAdvanced Practice Providers (APPs)
Our skilled nurse practitioners specialize in diagnosing and treating memory disorders. They see patients independently and occasionally alongside your doctor. Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) can give you a thorough exam, write prescriptions, and help prevent or treat any issues. Our APPs meet weekly to discuss patient needs.
View All {0} Advanced Practice Provider DoctorsExtended Care Team
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists are psychologists who focus on the relationship between your brain and your behavior. They offer assessments to see how well your brain functions and can offer psychological treatments, such as therapy.
View All {0} NeuropsychologistsNeuropsychiatrist
Neuropsychiatrists are medical doctors who look at problems with thinking and behavior that result from neurological conditions. They can prescribe medical treatments for your condition, such as medications.
View All {0} NeuropsychiatristsGenetic Counselor
Genetic counselors can give you guidance and counseling on genetic conditions and how they may affect you and your family.
Clinical Social Worker
Our clinical social workers educate families about supportive services, help patients access programs that enhance their independence and quality of life, and provide patients and families with supportive counseling and advocacy.
Care Coordinators
Care coordinators provide you with information and assistance before and during your appointment.
- Medical Assistant: Medical assistants work with our team to help provide care. They may prepare you for an examination, assist your doctor, or take your vital signs before your appointment.
- Patient Care Coordinator: Our patient care coordinators help you with scheduling appointments and accessing your lab results. They are your first line of contact before you see your provider and will guide you during your memory disorder care.
- Patient Access Representative: Patient access representatives can answer your questions about health insurance coverage, help you apply for health insurance, and refer you to our financial counselors.
Research Coordinators
Doctors at Stanford Health Care’s Memory Disorders Center participate in research efforts to advance the understanding and treatment of progressive neurological conditions. Research coordinators help screen candidates for possible participation in clinical research trials.
Support Services
Your wellness is our top priority. As part of your care, we design a wellness plan to support you and your family before, during, and after treatment.
We offer a wide array of support services to help you to feel your best. Contact our Neuro Care Services for your personal support plan.
We make access to care as simple as possible. We anticipate what you need and provide support when you need it. Our network of locations puts our services within your reach. User-friendly digital health tools help you stay connected with your care team. We accept most insurance plans and offer discounted transportation, short-stay options, and international travel and translation services. We help make sense of the details, so you can make decisions that are right for you.
At the Stanford Health Care Center for Memory Disorders, we make accessing care easy and convenient. We make every effort to coordinate your appointments so that you can see multiple providers, as needed, during a single visit.
For Referring Physicians
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referral Information.
You may also submit a web referral or complete a referral form and fax it to 650-320-9443 or email the Referral Center at ReferralCenter@stanfordhealthcare.org.