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Memory Clinic
The Memory Clinic is a specialized service for people with memory loss and dementia. Diagnosis and intervention is provided for people concerned about changes in their memory or the memory of someone they care about.
Symptoms of memory loss
- Changes in performing daily activities and/or changes in job performance
- Becoming more forgetful: that is, having trouble with short-term memory
- Needing more reminders
- Forgetting recent conversations
- Asking the same question over and over again
- Forgetting appointments, special occasions, and/or forgetting to take medications
- Difficulty finding the right word or losing one's train of thought in mid-sentence
- Regularly misplacing items, such as keys or wallet
- Difficultly looking after finances (writing cheques, banking or investing money)
- Getting lost in familiar areas
- Changes in personality: for example, feeling sad, irritable or less interested
Our services
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Monitoring of the patients condition and ongoing care
- Information and support to understand and cope with memory changes
- Opportunities to participate in research, including clinical drug trials
Our team includes
- A geriatric psychiatrist (a doctor trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders in older adults)
- A geriatrician (a doctor trained in the care of older adults)
- A behavioural neurologist (a doctor trained to care for people with memory loss and dementia)
- A social worker (a health care professional trained to deal with the impact of memory loss on people, their relationships and ways to provide support)
- A registered nurse (a health care professional trained to assess the on-going health needs of our patients)
- An occupational therapist (a health care professional trained to assist in the assessment of memory and its impact on functional independence and safety)
What happens at the first appointment?
The appointment usually lasts for about three hours. The patient is seen by several members of the team. Memory tests and physical and neurological (brain function) examinations are performed. A family member or friend who knows the concerns about memory and can discuss them with the medical team will be asked to join the patient, and will also meet with the doctors and the social worker.
Referral Process
Primary care physicians or specialists can refer patients. Contact the Memory Clinic for a referral form. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers the costs of services provided by the Clinic.
The Memory Clinic will assess patients with cognitive impairment. This includes:
- patients with an unclear diagnosis
- patients whose families request the opinion of a specialist
- patients with unusual presentations
- patients with cognitive difficulties that may be related to:
- a psychiatric disorder (such as depression)
- a complex medical problem
- drug interactions
The Memory Clinic will not assess:
- patients with stable developmental disorders
- patients with acquired brain injuries
For more information, please view our Brochure. 
Contact Us
Memory Clinic
Toronto Western Hospital
399 Bathurst Street
West Wing, 5th Floor
Toronto, ON M5T 2S8
Directions
Telephone: (416) 603-5232
Fax: (416) 603-6402
