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My mother lives in Pulaski county. She is 93 years old, white, and has some type of dementia manifesting in short term memory loss. I do not know if it is Alzheimer's.

Where can I have her assessed and diagnosed at no or low cost? If she is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, where do I turn for assistance?

Answer #1
It is important that your Mom be evaluated because there could be other things causing her memory loss (for example: low B12 or other nutritional imbalance). Also, if the diagnosis is Alzheimer's, then one of the medications available, while not cures, may help her to function for a longer period of time.

Since you are in Pulaski County, you have the opportunity to have your Mom evaluated at 2 clinics that specialize in medicine for older adults. One is at UAMS, the Reynolds’s Senior Health Clinic (686-6219). The other is the Memory Center at St. Vincent Medical Center (call 552-4765). Neurologists can also evaluate and treat persons with dementia (memory loss). Medicare should cover most if not all of the expense.

Whether the diagnosis is Alzheimer's or not, you can find information and assistance at Alzheimer's Arkansas Programs and Services. We have 1-to-1 counseling, support groups, printed material, and some financial assistance. All of our caregiver services are free. CareLink (Area Agency on Aging) can be helpful also--they have care managers, home care services, and an adult day care.

Phyllis Watkins

Answer #2
Your mother could be assessed free of charge at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Memory Research Center. To make an appointment, call 526-6500.

Cornelia Beck, PhD, RN, FAAN

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