Mental Health

Assessment and treatment of memory disorders

Middle-aged and elderly people who are struggling with brain fog and forgetfulness, have difficulty remembering words and doing everyday familiar activities or have any other cognitive difficulties are welcome to seek the help of Confido’s memory specialists.

Our team has a clinical neuropsychologist and a neurologist specialising in memory disorders. If necessary, a psychiatrist or another specialist can be involved in the treatment.

The cause of memory problems is often related to mood and anxiety disorders, metabolic disorders and infections, not neurodegenerative diseases. This means that in many cases these problems are fully treatable. Timely intervention is also important with neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease) to help the patient function independently for longer. Neurodegenerative disorders are often accompanied by mental disorders: depression, sleep disorders, behavioural disorders or psychotic symptoms that require psychiatric intervention.

First, we recommend that people with memory problems contact a neuropsychologist at Confido for an initial assessment and, if necessary, a referral to a neurologist or psychiatrist.

The specialist can then have tests done (e.g. blood tests, brain imaging or cognitive function tests), which will lead to diagnosis and suitable treatment for the patient. Multiple consultations with a neuropsychologist are often recommended for coping with the disease.

Relatives of people with diagnosed dementia are also welcome to have a neuropsychologist consultation for advice on how to deal with their loved one’s illness. The right diagnosis and subsequent intervention can significantly improve the quality of life of a person living with a neurodegenerative disease.

Mari-Liis Mägi

Clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist, Head of the Mental Health Center of Tartu Raatuse Clinic

Tallinn, Tartu