Memory Disorders / Dementia Program

Our TNC physicians partner closely with primary care providers to identify and treat patients at the earliest signs of memory decline. We use a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and manage all types of memory conditions—from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Our memory specialists combine clinical expertise with advanced technology and research to provide accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and ongoing management. Our goal is to help patients maintain independence and quality of life for as long as possible.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing changes in memory, thinking, behavior, or mood, we encourage you to contact our office. Our team will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam, symptom review, and mental status assessment.

Specialists
Dr. Yamini Chennu
Dr. Yamini Chennu

MD Neurologist & Neurophysiologist

Team

All of our physicians are experienced in diagnosing and treating general memory disorders. Additionally, we have a dedicated group of specialists who focus specifically on cognitive decline and advanced memory care, providing expert guidance for complex cases.

Team Approach to Care

At TNC, we provide personalized memory care through a collaborative, multidisciplinary team led by fellowship-trained neurologists specializing in memory disorders. Our goal is to deliver comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Your memory care team may include:

  • Memory care specialists
  • Specially trained nurse practitioners
  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapists with neuro expertise
  • Clinical research team focused on cognitive function studies
  • Medical assistants trained in neurological care
  • Collaboration with Nero-Psychologist
  • Imaging center technicians
  • Neuro Testing Center Team, including EEG and Neuropsychological Services in collaboration with Infusion Centers.

This coordinated approach ensures that every aspect of care—from diagnosis to therapy and ongoing management—is integrated for the best possible outcomes.

Services

We offer a full range of onsite resources to support personalized care, including:

  • Advanced brain imaging
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Clinical research trials
  • A dedicated therapy center
  • And more comprehensive support services
Treatment

Our experts work closely with you, your family, and your primary care physician to understand your health, lifestyle, and medical history. We perform thorough evaluations and testing to provide an accurate diagnosis and guide personalized treatment.

Testing for Memory Disorders

To diagnose memory disorders, your physician may order tests to rule out other causes and assess brain function. These may include:

  • Neurological and cognitive tests Mini Mental Exam (MME) and assessments of thinking, memory, and motor skills
  • Physical and neurological exam Reflexes, strength, balance, coordination, vision, and hearing
  • Lab tests Check for treatable causes like thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies
  • Brain imaging CT, MRI, or PET scans to assess brain changes or detect plaques and tangles
  • Neuropsychological testing Evaluates cognitive, language, memory, and motor skill
FAQ

What is memory disorder?

Memory disorder occurs when damage to certain parts of the brain reduces the ability to store, retain or recall memories. they can also affect cognitive skills and social behavior, including language, problem-solving and daily functioning. Memory disorders may range from mild to severe and can develop gradually or suddenly and can progress into dementia.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms involving progressive decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform daily activities. It is caused by various diseases and conditions affecting the brain, and it’s not a normal part of aging. Here are the main types of dementia, starting with the most common:

Alzheimer’s disease:

Most common type, accounting for 60 to 80% of cases. It involves buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain leading to neuron death. Early symptoms include memory loss (especially), confusion with time or place and difficulty with planning or problem-solving. It progresses gradually.

Vascular dementia:

The second most common, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain (often from strokes or small vessel disease). Symptoms can appear suddenly after a stroke or gradually, including problems with planning, concentration, and “step-wise” decline where symptoms worsen abruptly then stabilize.

Lewy Body Dementia (Dementia with Lewy Bodies):

Caused by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain. Key symptoms include visual hallucinations, fluctuating attention/alertness, Parkinson-like motor issues (tremors, stiffness), and REM sleep behavior disorder.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD):

Affects the frontal and temporal lobes, often younger-onset (under 65). It leads to prominent changes in personality/behavior (disinhibition, apathy) or language difficulties, rather than initial memory loss.

Mixed Dementia:

A combination of two or more types (most often Alzheimer’s and vascular). Symptoms reflect the overlapping conditions; common in older adults.

Other Less Common Types:
  • Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: Develops in some people with Parkinson’s, with symptoms similar to Lewy body dementia.
  • Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA): A rare variant affecting visual processing areas, causing difficulties with spatial awareness or reading.
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): Very rare, rapid-progressing prion disease with severe neurological symptoms.
  • Alcohol-Related Dementia: From long-term heavy alcohol use damaging the brain.
  • Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA): A rare variant affecting visual processing areas, causing difficulties with spatial awareness or reading.
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): Very rare, rapid-progressing prion disease with severe neurological symptoms.
  • Alcohol-Related Dementia: From long-term heavy alcohol use damaging the brain.
  • Others include Huntington’s disease dementia, HIV-associated dementia, or normal pressure hydrocephalus (potentially reversible).

Many dementias are progressive and irreversible, but early diagnosis can help manage symptoms. Consult a doctor for evaluation and treatment