Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center Memory Assessment/Dementia Clinic

The Madison Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center is a national center of excellence in geriatric care within the Veterans Health Administration. It is comprised of a number of geriatric primary care and specialty clinics. The Memory Assessment/ Dementia Clinic serves veterans who are identified to have memory difficulties or suspected dementia. This interdisciplinary team evaluates memory complaints and their impact on day-to-day living, function and social interactions. This comprehensive evaluation takes approximately 2 hours and includes memory testing, geriatric evaluation, a social work interview and assessment of an individuals emotional status. Appropriate testing is completed to better understand the cause of the memory problem. Patients are offered state-of-the-art treatments to manage symptoms and behavioral problems that sometimes arise from memory decline or dementia. Families are educated and provided information on how to help the individual with difficulties to maintain independence and have optimal quality of life. Caregiver support is provided through community referrals, a VA-based caregiver group, written materials and computer-assisted learning modules that emphasize specialized caregiving strategies when working with patients with dementia.

Special Considerations:

Only veterans are eligible for care in this clinic. All new patients are required to complete (or have family or caregivers complete) an intake form that assists the health professionals in providing optimal evaluation and management. Patients and families have the option to participate in certain research that aims to better detect and better treat Alzheimer's Disease and related conditions.

Clinic Faculty/Providers:

Sanjay Asthana, M.D., Geriatric Medicine and Dementia Researcher
Timothy Howell, M.D., Geriatric Psychiatry
Austin Woodard, Ph.D., Neuropsychology
Steven Barczi, M.D., Geriatric Medicine
Gail Hunt, MSW, Geriatric Social Worker
Jean Farrell-Holtan, OTR, Geriatric Occupational Therapy

For more information, or to make an appointment, please contact:

Geriatric Research and Education Clinic Center Memory Assessment/Dementia Clinic
Steve Barczi, MD
William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital
2500 Overlook Terrace
Madison WI 53705
Phone: 608-280-7000 or 608-280-7061

Return to list of WAI-Affiliated Dementia Diagnostic Clinics