Memory Lapse or Memory Loss? New Clinic Offers Help, Hope
Has searching for your keys become a frequent occurrence? Are you concerned that repeated memory lapses are really a sign of significant memory loss?
Recognizing that forgetfulness can be no joking matter, the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has established a Memory Clinic for those concerned about their memory but who haven't been diagnosed with dementia. The clinic is the only one of its kind in North Texas for the general public.
The Memory Clinic uses specialists in neurology, clinical neuropsychology, geriatric psychology, geriatric medicine, geriatric nursing and geriatric social work for its team approach to memory disorders.
"People joke about losing their keys, but after awhile, it's not funny anymore," said Susan F. Franks, Ph.D., clinical neuropsychologist with UNT Health Science Center. "If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with dementia or if you've noticed changes in your own memory, an evaluation is in order. If you're concerned, you should do this for yourself and do it for your family."
Dr. Franks recommends that people be on the alert for signs of memory loss, including:
* Forgetting recent events, conversations, and names of friends or relatives* Misplacing possessions* Repeating questions or stumbling for words * Getting lost in familiar surroundings * Finding difficulty performing chores or using appliances and tools* Struggling to manage money or other financial matters* Experiencing changes in mood and/or personality
Memory Clinic patients will undergo a thorough assessment to learn if their memory problems are due to normal changes that occur with aging, treatable physical causes or chronic changes in brain function. Immediately after the assessment, they review the results and discuss specific recommendations and strategies to improve their memory with a psychologist. Patients can also choose for a report of this assessment to be sent to their doctor.
The cost for the assessment may not be covered by insurance. If needed, patients may be referred to appropriate health care providers.
Patients of the Memory Clinic will be seen in the new Patient Care Center on the UNT Health Science Center campus in Fort Worth's Cultural District. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Barbara Harty, R.N., at 817-735-2193. No physician referral is necessary.
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The University of North Texas Health Science Center is composed of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the School of Public Health, and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The center's six Institutes for Discovery conduct leading-edge research on select health issues, including vision, aging, cancer, heart disease, physical medicine, and public health. A 110-member physician group practice, The Physicians & Surgeons Medical Group, manages 188,000 Fort Worth-area patient visits yearly. The institution injects some $244.3 million into Tarrant County and Texas' economies annually.
Media contacts: Kristie Aylett, APR, (817) 735-2553 or pager 1-877-497-0714 OR Carroll Cole, (817) 735-5152 or pager 1-877-306-4299email: [email protected]
Media can access additional information by visiting the UNT Health Science Center website at www.hsc.unt.edu.
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