Brain Health & Memory Disorders
If you are experiencing changes in your memory or thinking, the first step is to get an accurate diagnosis and find out the cause.
Medical conditions, poor sleep or medications can affect brain performance, as can brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or stroke.
We can help by providing a comprehensive assessment by a team of experts. Our goal is to provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personal treatment plan.
In addition to patient care, we offer support and educational services for family members. Our social work team can connect families to support groups and community services and resources.
Conditions We Treat
We diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that can impact memory, including:Multidisciplinary Team
Our team includes neurologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists and social workers. We are all dedicated to diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's disease and related disorders while simultaneously promoting brain health. We provide access to the latest diagnostic and treatment methods.
Our specialists:
- Sarah Banks, PhD
- Elizabeth Bevins, MD, PhD
- Douglas Galasko, MD
- Anne-Marie Guica, MD
- Allison Headley, MD
- Gabriel Léger, MD
- Ian Neel, MD
- Janne Kristoffer Nissinen, MD
- Leslie Powell, NP-C
- Lisa Delano-Wood, PhD
As leaders in the field, our experts conduct research to improve patient care and bring advanced knowledge and discoveries into the clinic. Many patients also have the option to participate in clinical trials for new medications and treatment options.
Lecanemab for Alzheimer’s Disease
Lecanemab is now available to UC San Diego Health patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease who have mild symptoms and receive care at our Brain Health and Memory Disorders Clinic.
With the brand name Leqembi, Lecanemab was granted full approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2023. This is the first disease-modifying therapy approved for treating Alzheimer's disease in the U.S.
Why Choose Us?
We provide specialized services all in one place that you can't find at most medical centers:
- Multidisciplinary clinical assessment
- Neuropsychological testing
- MRI and PET imaging and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) biomarker testing
- Comprehensive assessment for Spanish speakers
- Advice about genetic or family risk
- Medication counseling
- Social work guidance
- Management of neuropsychiatric symptoms
- Access to support groups
- Option to participate in research and clinical trials
- Personalized approaches to improve brain health
We can also provide video visits.
Patient & Family Resources
Brain Channel Presents: Alzheimer's Disease
The oncoming epidemic of Alzheimer's disease is staggering to consider. It will have an enormous impact on our personal lives, our communities, and our nation. Watch our videos to explore treatment options, innovations in research and much more.
Neuropalliative Care
Our team uses a comprehensive, whole-person approach that addresses not only a person's medical issues but also their emotional, spiritual and social needs.
More About Neuropalliative Care
Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center
The National Institute on Aging's Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center is the government's leading resource on Alzheimer's disease. Find information on causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, risk factors, research and prevention.
Alzheimer's Association
The national Alzheimer's Association advances research to end Alzheimer's and dementia while enhancing care for those living with these diseases.
Alzheimer's Research Forum
The Alzheimer's Research Forum reports on the latest scientific findings, from basic research to clinical trials, and seeks to break down barriers across the numerous disciplines that can contribute to the global effort to cure Alzheimer's disease.
Driving and Dementia (DMV)
Find out how moderate to severe dementia affects driving from the California DMV website. It provides information on knowledge tests and special driving tests.