Memory Loss: What is Normal Aging?
Neurologist Sharon Sha, MD, discusses dementia and aging at Stanford's 5th Annual Women's Health Forum.
Center for Memory Disorders
The Stanford Center for Memory Disorders is dedicated to the fight against cognitive decline. There are many different causes of memory loss, and an accurate diagnosis by an experienced team is essential to getting the best treatment.
The Center is one of only about 30 National Institutes of Health (NIH) designated Alzheimer’s Disease Centers in the United States, a designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and one of 24 Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Research Centers of Excellence, helping to advance LBD care, community outreach, and connecting patients with the latest LBD clinical trials.
Center for Memory Disorders
The Stanford Health Care Center for Memory Disorders is encouraged that there is a new treatment option for certain patients with Alzheimer’s disease. On January 6, 2023, the FDA granted accelerated approval for lecanemab (LeqembiTM).
Our Doctors
Care and Treatment of Memory Disorders
Patients and Caregivers
Although one does not always look forward to going to see the doctor, most patients find their visits to our Center pleasant, productive, and informative.
Our goal is to help you find the cause of your symptoms and to offer you to 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 an individual's specific situation, this may include state-of-the-art MRI or other brain scanning technologies, blood tests, spinal fluid analysis, or other testing.
Frequently, we encourage our new patients to undergo a complete neuropsychological assessment with one of the specialty-trained neuropsychologists on our team, on a separate visit. All elements of your workup will be scheduled 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.
Nationally Recognized
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
We are proud to have earned recognition from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation "Healthcare Equity Index."
When Fading Memory Raises Questions, Neuropsychology Can Point to Answers
Susan Harvell's memory lapses signaled early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Getting a clear diagnosis at Stanford has allowed her to plan her future with her family.
Clinical Trials
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 accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.
For Patients
For your convenience, you may check in for all same-day appointments at the Stanford Neuroscience Health Center through a centralized, check-in desk near the front lobby. In addition to all outpatient services, you also can access onsite pre-surgery consultations at the center.
Call us to make, change or reschedule an appointment.
PREPARE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
- Bring your completed New Patient Questionnaire, if applicable.
- Bring someone who knows you well, such as a spouse, child, caregiver, or close friend to your appointment.
International Patients
Phone: +1 650-723-8561
Email: IMS@stanfordhealthcare.org
Call us to make an appointment
For Health Care Professionals
Any patient with a progressive neurological syndrome that includes cognitive or behavioral symptoms is appropriate for referral. The earlier you refer a patient, the better. Patients with mild cognitive impairment may benefit the most from diagnosis and treatment, especially as emerging therapies become available. We see patients for one-time consultations, second opinions, and for longitudinal care.
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Phone: 1-866-742-4811
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
TRANSFER CENTER
Phone: 1-800-800-1551, 24 hours - 7 days a week
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as provides the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions visit Referring Physicians.
HOW TO REFER
- Call us at 650-723-6469 to refer a patient.
- Before we see a patient, it is helpful (but not necessary) to test thyroid function (TSH and T4) and serum B12, and to have obtained magnetic resonance brain imaging.
- Any prior brain imaging (films or CD) should be hand-carried to the appointment.
Make an Appointment
To request an appointment, call 650-723-6469.