Memory Disorders

Memory can change as we age, however significant memory loss is not a normal part of the aging process. A comprehensive assessment may be beneficial if you:

• Find it difficult to form new memories
• Have difficulty finding words
• Find it difficult to complete familiar tasks
• Are repeatedly misplacing objects, often in unusual places
• Make poor decisions/use poor judgment
• Experience significant personality changes
• Frequently become lost in familiar places
• Are confused about time, place and people
• See or hear things that others do not
• Have lost interest in usual activities

Memory loss can have many causes. In addition to Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, various medical and psychological conditions, including thyroid disease, diabetes, hypertension, vitamin deficiencies, stress, depression and anxiety, can cause memory loss.

The Center for Aging clinical team maintains a standard practice of talking with patients and caregivers about driving habits and driving safety. This sometimes opens the door to difficult discussions about a very sensitive subject. If further assessment of driving skills is warranted, patients are referred for a driving evaluation.

The Center for Aging team remains available to provide consultation, caregiver education, support and counseling in response to the changing needs of the patient and caregiver. Referrals are made to our community partners whenever additional services would be beneficial. We work closely with our community partners to assure smooth access to their services.

Professional and community education are offered throughout the year on memory loss, dementia, brain health and related issues.

The Center for Aging participates in the Florida Silver Alert program and provides follow-up to families of cognitively impaired drivers who became lost while driving. Education and Silver Alert follow-up are offered in Orange, Seminole, Lake, Polk, Sumter and Hernando Counties.

On the first visit, your medical records will be reviewed, and your medical history will be discussed. A comprehensive medical and psychosocial assessment will be completed by the physician and licensed clinical social worker. The physician will make recommendations for further testing and/or referrals that are needed for your care. A personalized plan of care will be created with you and your caregiver. The licensed clinical social worker will meet with you to further discuss your needs and provide you with community resources.

Prior to your first appointment, you will be asked for your medical records and you will be sent paperwork to be completed. Please complete this paperwork thoroughly prior to your appointment and return it to us according to the instructions or bring the completed paperwork to your appointment. Please wear/bring your glasses and hearing aids to your appointment. In order to provide a thorough assessment, we request that a family member or care partner accompany you to the appointment. Please arrive thirty minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

Please call us at (321) 841-9700 to schedule an appointment. A physician referral is required from some insurance plans but not all. Medicare and other insurance policies usually cover the costs associated with the appointment and we will bill your insurance. We do accept patients without insurance and can provide an estimate of costs for the assessment.

Our office is conveniently located at 32 W. Gore in Orlando, with free parking just outside the entrance.

• Florida Department of Elder Affairs
• Alzheimer’s Association
• Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center
• Share the Care
• Silver Alert
• CarFit