Cognitive and Memory Health
Cognitive health is how well your brain works to think, remember, learn, communicate, and make everyday decisions – helping you stay independent and engaged in daily life.
When cognitive changes appear in you or someone you love, it can feel confusing and overwhelming – but you don’t have to face these changes alone.
The Atrium Health Cognitive and Memory Health Program is here to help you move forward with confidence and clarity. As part of the Neurosciences Institute, we provide personalized support for both patients and caregivers, connecting you with the right specialists and resources to care for your brain, body and overall well-being.
Appointments are by referral only. Ask your primary care provider or neurologist if our program is right for you or your loved one.
Why choose Atrium Health Neurosciences Institute?
- Innovative treatments: We’re the only program in the Greater Charlotte area offering FDA-approved anti-amyloid therapies for early Alzheimer’s disease, including Kisunla (donanemab) and Leqembi (lecanemab).
- Multidisciplinary approach Our team works with experts in neurology, primary care, geriatrics and gerontology, psychiatry, rehabilitation and social services. Together, we provide specialized, whole-person care for all types of cognitive issues.
- Complete support: We’re here to help ease stress and improve quality of life for both people with dementia and their caregivers. Through Medicare’s GUIDE Model, families have access to extra resources and support – helping patients stay safe, comfortable and independent at home as long as possible.
- Leading-edge research: We’re dedicated to finding new and better ways to prevent and treat cognitive health issues. Our team participates in major research efforts such as the POINTER study, which looks at how lifestyle changes can lower dementia risk.
- Expert care close to home: Because Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health, our program is supported by a national network of experts who share the latest research and best practices – so you get leading expertise, right here.
Conditions we treat
Cognitive changes can happen for many different reasons. Our team works carefully to understand what’s causing your symptoms, so you receive an accurate diagnosis and the right support moving forward.
We care for people with many conditions, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease: A condition that slowly affects memory and thinking over time.
- Dementia: A general term for cognitive changes that interfere with daily life.
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): A disorder that affects behavior, personality or language.
- Lewy body dementia (LBD): A condition that causes changes in thinking along with movement or sleep problems.
- Mild cognitive impairment: Early difficulties with memory or thinking that still allow for independence.
- Parkinson’s dementia: A decline in memory and thinking that develops in some people with Parkinson’s disease.
- Vascular dementia: Cognitive changes caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
Atrium Health Senior Care
Dementia is more common with age, but it isn’t a “normal” part of aging. Paying attention to changes in memory or thinking can help older adults get the right care sooner.
We work with Atrium Health Senior Care to provide specialized assessments and care planning for adults 65 and older.
Learn how Senior Care supports patients and caregivers.
Learn MoreFor referring providers
When you refer a patient to us, we keep you involved and up to date throughout their care. To make a referral, call our dedicated physician referral line at 704-468-0101 or send a fax to 704-468-0022.
Frequently asked questions
Changes can look different for everyone, but common signs include:
- Forgetting recent events or repeating questions
- Trouble planning, organizing, or solving problems
- Difficulty managing daily tasks like paying bills or taking medications
- Changes in mood, behavior or personality
If something doesn’t feel right – for you or someone you care for – it’s important to talk with your doctor. They can help you understand what’s going on and decide if a specialist should be involved.
It’s a good idea to get checked as soon as memory or thinking changes become a concern – even if they aren’t yet affecting daily life. An early evaluation can help identify conditions that may be treatable and allows treatment to start sooner.
If you’re unsure, start by sharing your concerns with your primary care provider or neurologist. They can guide you on whether an evaluation with our team is the right next step.
The GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) is a Medicare program offered at Atrium Health. It’s designed to make life better for people living with dementia – and the people who care for them.
Through GUIDE, eligible families are connected to a dedicated care team that offers ongoing check-ins, caregiver education, help finding community resources and, in some cases, access to respite services (breaks for caregivers).
Most visits happen by phone or telehealth, with in‑person visits arranged when needed.
You or your loved one may be eligible for GUIDE if:
- You have a dementia diagnosis – even if it isn’t officially listed in your medical records, but your family or caregivers are aware.
- You have traditional Medicare (the red, white and blue card).
- You are not enrolled in hospice, PACE or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- You live in the community – including assisted living or independent living – but not in long-term nursing home care.
For more information, email us at GUIDE@AdvocateHealth.org.
New patient appointments require a referral. If you’re interested in seeing one of our cognitive health specialists, talk to your primary care provider or neurologist. They can help you decide if our program is the right next step and provide a referral if needed.
Our providers
Meet our providers and find the one for you. Use the filters to narrow your search.