Dementia and Memory Loss Care

If changes in memory or cognition are impacting your daily life or that of a loved one, it’s time to seek help. Many people in the Puget Sound turn to the experts at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our team performs a thorough assessment, delivers personalized treatments and helps you navigate a path forward.

We are one of the few programs in the region whose team includes a behavioral neurologist (dementia specialist). This specialist focuses on neurologic issues impacting behavior, cognition and memory. Their expertise and our comprehensive approach draw patients from across the Pacific Northwest. Meet our team.

Highlights of our program include: 

• Comprehensive care: Our behavioral neurologist guides assessments and treatment recommendations. Additional services are available from neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, physical medicine doctors and neurorehabilitation therapists. We handle all the details for a seamless experience. 

• Personalized approach: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health offers all the services you or your loved one may need. In addition to memory care services, we coordinate additional therapies that optimize your quality of life.

• Supportive services: Cognitive decline brings changes that are challenging to cope with. We provide heartfelt support and assistance in planning for your future needs. We may refer you to social workers for emotional support. Palliative care providers help you document your future treatment preferences. 

We’ve streamlined parts of our evaluation process to help you get a prompt diagnosis. Some patients undergo assessments from our behavioral neurologist and neuropsychologists in one visit. This information enables us to confirm or rule out a cognitive impairment diagnosis. 

Our services are available in Seattle and Tacoma. We may also recommend additional testing, such as an MRI and lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

Dementia and its most common form, Alzheimer’s disease, are well-known causes of cognitive impairment and memory loss. But there are many others, including:

• Alcohol or drug misuse
• Infections
• Medication side effects
• Other neurologic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, migraine, and hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain)
• Sleep issues, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea
• Vascular conditions like stroke

Cognitive decline is a complex disorder, and it’s natural to have questions. At your appointment, we take time to get to know you and address all your concerns. You can start learning more by reading our memory disorder FAQs.

Our specialists care for patients across the Puget Sound area and beyond. Find a dementia specialist near you.