Memory Care Services for Patients
The USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute offers a broad range of clinical services for memory-impaired patients. Our professionals specializing in memory care, internal medicine, geriatrics, neuropsychology, clinical pharmacy, and social work comprise a team that works collaboratively to achieve the most accurate and thorough clinical evaluation for patients.
1st Floor Clinical Center
Patients evaluated in our first floor clinic typically have received a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease and are seeking a second opinion, symptom management, family therapy, or transfer of care from another provider. Patients are matched with a provider who best meets their needs. This may include a referral for an examination by a physician, licensed clinical social worker, neuropsychologist, or provider in partnership with USF's Memory Disorders Clinic. Download new patient form.
Center for Memory C.A.R.E.
The Center for Memory C.A.R.E. (Clinical Assessment, Research & Education) is a comprehensive multidisciplinary diagnostic clinic for minimally or mildly-impaired patients seeking a first-time diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or memory impairment. A full diagnostic evaluation will usually include visits with our geriatrician, psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, pharmacist, and social worker during the course of a single day. The primary goal of the C.A.R.E. center is to identify neurodegenerative diseases in patients before symptoms become debilitating. If your insurance will not cover this team approach, diagnostic evaluation can be accomplished with a single provider in our first floor clinic as well.
The Institute’s family-centered approach offers information and support for the patient as well as the caregiver, from adult daycare options, legal issues, stress management, competency for driving and daily activities, to treatment options.
Return to Top
Neuropsychology
Patients undergoing evaluation in the Center for Memory C.A.R.E. will be seen by a neuropsychologist who will administer abbreviated cognitive testing. In addition, referrals for formal neuropsychological services are provided to individuals with known or suspected brain dysfunction. This is particularly the case for younger patients and those with an unclear reason for their cognitive complaints. A vast array of conditions may impact brain function including, but not limited to, neurological disease or syndromes, depression, anxiety, as well as many medical conditions. Disorders may be acquired (concussions and traumatic brain injuries, oxygen deprivation) or developmental/genetic. In-depth neuropsychological testing can sometimes help clarify or confirm a diagnosis.
Return to Top
Eric Pfeiffer Imaging Center
Within the Center for Memory C.A.R.E. is the Eric Pfeiffer Imaging Center, housing a sophisticated PET (positron emission tomography) scanner. The USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute is the first Alzheimer’s research center in Florida with its own PET technology on-site. PET technology allows us to measure brain function and activity. In addition, new research has enabled the use of PET imaging to visualize the nerve-killing Alzheimer’s amyloid proteins in the brain that are the hallmark of the disease. In the past, these could only be seen at autopsy but can now be used to confirm the diagnosis in living patients.
Return to Top
Functional Assessments Facility (Coming Soon)
The Center for Memory C.A.R.E. features a unique micro-apartment to help measure patient functional abilities and activities of daily living. Designed to be a realistic, home-like setting, this one-of-a-kind facility helps accurately assess a patient’s physical and cognitive abilities while engaged in daily activities. Specially-trained occupational therapists will guide the patient through a fully functioning micro-home with kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and laundry area, and physical therapists can perform fall risk assessment using state-of-the-art equipment.
Return to Top
Driving Assessments (Coming Soon)
The Institute will offer a sophisticated driving simulator with a multi-panel screen to safely measure a driver’s visual acuity, reaction times, depth perception, sign recognition, and decision-making skills. Age can diminish working memory, decision-making under pressure, and confidence driving at high speeds.
Return to Top