Wright State University School of Professional Psychology

The Community Memory Clinic

The Community Memory Clinic is affiliated with the School of Professional Psychology at Wright State University. It is located at the Duke E. Ellis Human Development Institute on the corner of West Third Street and Edwin C. Moses Boulevard. The Community Memory Clinic was developed to provide neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy for patients and their families in the local underserved community affected by dementia. Although the focus of our mission is to offer services to the African-American community, as there is a documented shortage of neuropsychological services available, we accept patients and families from all local communities.

Possible Causes of Memory Problems:
• Depression
• Medication Side Effects
• Excess Use of Alcohol
• Thyroid Problems
• Poor Diet
• Vitamin Deficiencies
• Certain Infections
• Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
• Type 2 Diabetes
• High Cholesterol
• History of Stroke and Other Vascular Disease

What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s (AHLZ-high-merz) is a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is not a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time. Although symptoms can vary widely, the first problem many people notice is forgetfulness severe enough to affect their ability to function at home or at work, or to enjoy lifelong hobbies. Other symptoms include feeling confused, getting lost in familiar places, misplacing things and experiencing language problems.

Other Dementias
Dementia (dih-MEN-shuh) is a general term for a loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Today we estimate that 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s. That includes 10 percent of those over 65 years old and nearly 50 percent of those 85 and older. By 2050, that number may reach 16 million. Because 70 percent of those with Alzheimer’s live at home, the impact of the illness extends to millions of family members, friends and caregivers.

Services Offered The Community Memory Clinic provides neuropsychological assessment to assist with the differential diagnosis of dementia disorders, such as vascular dementia, dementia of Alzheimer’s type or dementia due to a general medical condition (e.g., head trauma, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease or HIV/ AIDS). In addition, the clinic provides psychotherapy for patients and their families, in an effort to reduce difficulties experienced through living with and/or caring for someone who has dementia. It has been noted in several research studies that it is critical to include and incorporate the support of families and caregivers in the treatment of people with dementia, as it is recognized that families are an integral part of providing assistance and aiding patients in their everyday functioning. This is why The Community Memory Clinic provides services to the entire family system.

How to Access Services
Referrals are accepted from treatment providers such as physicians, psychologists, counselors and nurses. Self-referrals are also accepted.

Community Memory Clinic
Duke E. Ellis Human Development Institute
9 North Edwin C. Moses Boulevard
Dayton, Ohio 45402-6837
Phone: (937) 775-4346
Fax: (937) 775-4311
E-mail: sopp_memory©wright.edu