Inga Mehrani1, Perminder S Sachdev1,2. 1. Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales. 2. Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The diagnosis of dementia is often delayed and many individuals with the disorder go undiagnosed or receive an inadequate assessment. Specialist Memory Clinics have long been at the centre of such assessments. Recent developments in biomarkers and disease-modifying treatments are likely increase the need for specialist assessments. It is therefore timely to review the role of Memory Clinics internationally. RECENT FINDINGS: The timely diagnosis of dementia and cognitive decline is the main responsibility of Memory Clinics. These clinics can diagnose dementia up to 4 years earlier than primary care services, but their low numbers and capacity of leads to long waiting times and a focus on complex cases. Few clinics are resourced to offer specific postdiagnostic support services, and their roles in clinical trials and research have not been realised. They are often well integrated with primary care and aged care services. SUMMARY: Memory Clinics play an important role in bridging the gap between research and clinical practice and providing high-quality assessment and care. Additional Memory Clinic services and greater harmonisation of their responsibilities and procedures are needed to exploit their full potential.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The diagnosis of dementia is often delayed and many individuals with the disorder go undiagnosed or receive an inadequate assessment. Specialist Memory Clinics have long been at the centre of such assessments. Recent developments in biomarkers and disease-modifying treatments are likely increase the need for specialist assessments. It is therefore timely to review the role of Memory Clinics internationally. RECENT FINDINGS: The timely diagnosis of dementia and cognitive decline is the main responsibility of Memory Clinics. These clinics can diagnose dementia up to 4 years earlier than primary care services, but their low numbers and capacity of leads to long waiting times and a focus on complex cases. Few clinics are resourced to offer specific postdiagnostic support services, and their roles in clinical trials and research have not been realised. They are often well integrated with primary care and aged care services. SUMMARY: Memory Clinics play an important role in bridging the gap between research and clinical practice and providing high-quality assessment and care. Additional Memory Clinic services and greater harmonisation of their responsibilities and procedures are needed to exploit their full potential.