New clinic helps those with memory loss

GENEVA – As executive director of Arden Courts, Pam Sebern knows the effect memory loss can have on a person and their family. So she is happy that Delnor Hospital has opened a Memory and Behavior Clinic.

Arden Courts is an assisted living center in Geneva for Alzheimer's patients or those with related memory impairments.

"We've been looking for a local resource like this for our facility," Sebern said during Thursday's open house for the new clinic. "They will be able to do a good assessment and help the family plan ahead and know what to expect."

The clinic is a collaborative effort between Delnor Psychological Services and Suburban Neurology Group, LLC.

On clinic days, patients and their families or caregivers can schedule appointments with a team of specialists that include a board-certified neurologist, a clinical neuropsychologist, a physician's assistant and a nurse navigator. The first clinic day was held on June 11.

"We are trying to target a certain group, people with suspected dementia," said Lisa Riemenschneider, clinical neuropsychologist. "We are evaluating everyone coming through."

She said more people are seeking help these days because of the attention brought by high profile cases of
Alzheimer's, like former President Ronald Reagan.

"There is increased awareness of the need to take care of these things," Riemenschneider said.

And memory loss can happen at any age.

"I see patients in their 30s," said neurologist Kishore Santwani, one of the specialists at the clinic.

When all testing is complete, the patient and family meet with the team to discuss findings, recommendations and treatment options.

Abnormal memory loss may be related to treatable conditions such as depression, infection, nutritional deficiency and medication interaction.

Riemenschneider said they are now taking appointments for the next clinic.

"Our plan is to have one to two clinics a month," she said.

For more info

Delnor's Memory and Behavior Clinic is located on the hospital campus at 302 Randall Road, Lower Level, Suite 30.

More information is available by calling 630-524-5845 or at www.delnor.com