Memory Outpatient Clinic helps identify and treat memory disorders
The Memory Outpatient Clinic of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, officially known as the Geriatric Outpatient Clinic, treats older people over the age of 70 who are suspected to have a memory disorder.
People need a doctor’s referral for examinations at the outpatient clinic.
“If you are concerned about your own or a loved one’s memory, consult your own health centre first. They will conduct a basic test for memory disorders before writing a referral,” says Hanna Yli-Isotalo, Service Sector Manager for Geriatric and Palliative Services at Hospital Services.
Patients can also be referred to the Memory Outpatient Clinic by a private doctor or hospital doctor. The doctor of the Memory Outpatient Clinic who reads the referral decides what examinations will be carried out at the Memory Outpatient Clinic by a memory care nurse and a geriatrician or a doctor with experience in memory disorders.
“The examinations usually include blood tests and cranial imaging. In addition, the nurse will conduct any memory surveys and tests requested by the doctor as well as interviews with the patient and family members,” Yli-Isotalo describes the examination process.
Clients should arrive at the Memory Outpatient Clinic with a family member or friend who is familiar with the client’s situation in life.
Support for life changes
Diagnosed patients are usually always prescribed medication, and its functionality and suitability for the patient is monitored by the Memory Outpatient Clinic. A control visit to the doctor is scheduled for about six months later.
“The Memory Outpatient Clinic also provides a variety of support to the patient and their loved ones, as a memory disorder is always a big change. They can also call the clinic nurse at any time. In addition, if necessary, we refer people to other services, such as home care.”
After examinations at the Memory Outpatient Clinic, diagnosed patients are referred to Senior Info’s memory work case managers and the health centre doctor for monitoring. The monitoring of people with memory disorders covered by home care is carried out by home care nurses and the attending physician.
“Further monitoring of clients is not managed by the Memory Outpatient Clinic but by health stations and memory work case managers.”
The Memory Outpatient Clinic serves the entire Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County. Its offices are located in Espoo, Lohja, Kirkkonummi, Siuntio and Vihti.
The aim of the Memory Outpatient Clinic is to increase knowledge of memory disorders. Another aim is to detect and identify the memory disorder at an early stage and slow down its progression so that the patient can live at home for as long as possible.
More information: Memory outpatient clinic
Information on memory diseases: muistiliitto.fi/en(external link)