Memory & Aging

Comprehensive memory disorder care at UCSF Health

UCSF Health specialists offer compassionate, state-of-the-art care for dementia and other cognitive disorders that affect memory, thinking and behavior. We have a broad range of expertise in all types of rare and complex cognitive conditions.

You receive comprehensive treatments and support to address all aspects of dementia and how the condition affects you and your family. Your UCSF Health care team partners with your primary care provider and includes experts in:

• Neurology

• Neuropsychology

• Psychiatry

• Geriatrics

• Genetic counseling

• Laboratory medicine

• Speech pathology

• Physical and occupational therapy

• Pharmacy

• Nursing

• Social work

Advanced assessments for precise diagnosis

UCSF Health has one of the world's largest programs for evaluating dementia, which can be difficult to diagnose accurately. We focus on early diagnosis, using the most advanced methods available, including:

• Neuroimaging. These highly specialized MRI techniques help us map the brain, examine its structures and detect changes in blood flow and brain activity. We're also pioneering new PET scan techniques to image protein and plaque accumulation in the brain.

• Detailed assessment. We developed a unique tablet-based cognitive assessment, available in multiple languages.

• Biomarker tests. We use next-generation blood tests that are not widely available. These tests look for biomarkers (certain signs in your body) that help confirm a diagnosis.

• AI tools. By leveraging the power of AI to analyze scans, we can detect subtle, early-stage changes in the brain before symptoms appear.

• Team-based evaluations. You receive assessments from a team of experts who then discuss the results during case review meetings. This collaborative process ensures a more accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosing dementia as early as possible is critical for slowing the progression of the condition. With an earlier and more specific diagnosis, we create a highly tailored treatment plan to slow or even reverse some symptoms.

Leading-edge dementia therapies

We use precision medicine approaches to guide therapy choices that include the latest treatments. Our Alzheimer's Infusion Core Board meets regularly to determine patient eligibility for advanced therapies. This collaboration ensures you receive the expertise of an entire team.

Our research program provides opportunities to receive innovative therapies that are not yet widely available, giving hope to patients and families. At UCSF Health, you have access to large clinical trials for next-generation therapies, including anti-tau treatments and amyloid-lowering medications.

UCSF Health also has specialized programs for conditions such as ataxia, autoimmune encephalitis and Huntington's disease.

Convenient parking and virtual care

For your convenience, valet parking is available at the Campus Way entrance. If you have a DMV-issued Disabled Person parking placard, notify the parking attendant during check-in to receive a discounted rate.

For patients in California, we offer some appointments via virtual care that you can attend from the comfort of your home.