Memory Care Program
Brighton
Contact
Hours
Monday–Friday 8 a.m.−4:30 p.m.
Overview
The Memory Care Program at University of Rochester Medicine delivers comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and support for aging adults with neurodegenerative conditions and their care partners. Our specialists provide compassionate, expert care to help you and your family navigate memory and cognitive challenges with confidence and support.
We offer care to adults with neurodegenerative conditions, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Frontotemporal Dementia
- Lewy Body Dementia
Elizabeth (E.J.) Santos, M.D.
Patient & Visitor Information
We know navigating memory care can feel overwhelming. That's why your first appointment will be thorough, yet welcoming—typically lasting about 90 minutes. Family members and care partners are encouraged to attend, as this is an important time to ask questions and share insights together.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Part 1: Initial Assessment
- Recordvital signs and review current medications
- Conduct cognitive screening using evidence-based measures
- Your companion may meet separately with the physician to discuss concerns
Please bring a current medication list with you.
Part 2: Physician Consultation
- Review symptoms and medical history
- Complete a physical examination
- Discuss your unique health journey
Part 3: Results & Next Steps
- Review evaluation findings together
- Discuss personalized treatment recommendations
- Answer questions and outline your care plan
Services
Our experts will ensure you and your family have the support you need to manage changing care needs with confidence.
Our team provides:
- Expert Diagnosis: Comprehensive assessment, evaluation, and diagnostic workup
- Ongoing Support: Medication management and strategies for challenging behaviors
- Personalized Treatment: Evidence-based recommendations tailored to your needs
- Care Partner Resources: Education, guidance, and emotional support for families
- Community Connections: Referrals to local resources and support services
- Research Opportunities: Access to cutting-edge clinical trials advancing Alzheimer's care
Clinical Trials
Research studies at University of Rochester Medicine are advancing new treatments, developing prevention strategies, and expanding scientific understanding of memory conditions.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (ADC) Program
The Memory Care Program is one of only 18 official dissemination sites nationwide for the Alzheimer's and Dementia Care (ADC) Program, delivering a nationally recognized, team-based dementia care model. This distinction reflects University of Medicine's commitment to delivering evidence-based, coordinated care.
Biologics Treatment Center for Alzheimer’s Disease
The Memory Care Biologics Treatment Center is designated as a Center of Excellence by the Alzheimer's Quality Initiative—a recognition of our expertise in delivering the most advanced therapies available.
We prescribe and administer anti-amyloid therapies, including lecanemab (Leqembi®) and donanemab (Kisunla™), for eligible patients with confirmed Alzheimer's disease. These breakthrough treatments represent the cutting edge of Alzheimer's care and are available only at select centers nationwide.
Unlike traditional Alzheimer's medications that manage symptoms, anti-amyloid therapies work to slow disease progression by targeting and removing amyloid plaques in the brain. For eligible patients in early stages of the disease, these treatments may help preserve cognitive function and independence longer.
To begin biologics treatment, you'll need a confirmed Alzheimer's diagnosis with biomarker verification that indicates you’re in the early stages of the disease. If you haven't had this testing, our Memory Care Specialists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation first.
Anti-amyloid therapies are administered through intravenous (IV) infusion, typically every two to four weeks. Our specialized team monitors you closely throughout treatment, including regular brain MRI scans to track your response to therapy.
Capacity Evaluation Clinic
Sometimes families face difficult questions about a loved one's ability to make important decisions. Our Capacity Evaluation Clinic provides expert psychiatric assessments to determine decision-making capacity for legal, financial, or medical matters.
Decision-making capacity refers to a person's ability to understand information, appreciate how it applies to their situation, reason through options, and communicate a choice. Capacity can vary depending on the complexity of the decision and may change over time.
Families often seek capacity evaluations when questions arise about:
- Financial decisions (managing accounts, making investments, signing contracts)
- Legal matters (creating or updating a will, establishing power of attorney)
- Medical treatment decisions (consenting to procedures, choosing care options)
- Living arrangements (deciding where to live, accepting in-home care)
Our experienced clinicians conduct thorough psychiatric assessments that examine:
- Cognitive function and memory>
- Understanding of the specific decision at hand
- Ability to weigh risks and benefits
- Communication of preferences
- Relevant medical and psychiatric history
These evaluations provide families, healthcare providers, and legal professionals with clear, objective information about a person's current decision-making abilities.
Our Capacity Evaluation Clinic is staffed by board-certified psychiatrists with specialized training in geriatric psychiatry and capacity assessment. They understand the nuances of cognitive decline and provide compassionate, thorough evaluations.
Capacity evaluations typically require a referral from a physician, attorney, or other professional. The evaluation process includes a clinical interview, cognitive testing, and review of relevant medical records. We provide detailed written reports that can be used for legal or medical purposes.
If you have questions about whether a capacity evaluation might be helpful for your situation, our team is here to guide you.
Providers
Megan Ayles, LMSW
Megan Ayles has her Master’s Degree in Social Work and started working for URochester Medicine in 2007. She has a background working with geriatric, adult and pediatric populations.
Margaret Hance, LMSW
Margaret Hance has her Master’s degree in Social work from the University at Buffalo and has been at URochester Medicine since 2016. Previous experience has been with the Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester and several other geriatric care settings including social day program, assisted living, and nursing homes.
Abigail Mathewson, B.S.N., RN-BC
Abby Mathewson completed her Bachelor's in Nursing at Nazareth College and started working for URochester Medicine in 2012. She has a background in Psychiatry and has been with the Memory Care Program since 2018.
Susan Ruhlin, LMSW
Susan Ruhlin has her Master's Degree in Social Work and has worked at URochester Medicine since 1999. She has an extensive case management background.
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Accepting New Patients
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Accepting New Patients
Appointment Information
Schedule your appointment today. Call (585) 273-5454. We'll walk you through the next steps ahead of your visit.
What Sets Us Apart
Our team brings together neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists, a geriatrician, neuropsychologist, family and marriage therapist, and social workers—all collaborating to address every dimension of memory care. This approach means you benefit from diverse expertise working together to provide the best possible care.
We're with you for the long term. Our team provides early and accurate diagnosis, ongoing supportive care, and access to clinical trials as appropriate. We meet regularly to coordinate your care and adapt our approach as your needs evolve.
Important research studies are underway at University of Rochester Medicine, including:
- New treatments for memory problems
- Dementia prevention strategies
- Observational research opportunities
By participating in research, you may gain access to tomorrow's treatments today—while contributing to discoveries that help others.