Our clinical services
Memory care.
With you in mind.
Specialty evaluation and ongoing care for Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and other cognitive concerns at Tennessee Memory Disorders Clinic.
The new patient experience
Two appointments.
One thoughtful process.
A comprehensive first evaluation, followed by a diagnostic visit to review results and next steps.
Your first visit.
Plan for approximately two hours with a specialty nurse practitioner. The team reviews your medical and family history, symptoms, physical and neurological examination, and cognitive testing.
Your provider explains any additional tests or imaging that may be needed. A family member or close friend provides important input about changes over time.
Putting the picture together.
Before this visit, the doctor and care team review cognitive testing, laboratory results, imaging, and other case information. At the appointment, the doctor discusses findings, the diagnosis when possible, and the care plan.
Additional testing and another visit may be needed before a diagnosis can be confirmed. When a diagnosis is made, patients receive a take-home information packet.
Bring someone who knows you well—to every visit.
Patients must be accompanied by a family member or friend. Please also arrange any needed mobility assistance: clinic staff cannot provide physical assistance, including help to or from vehicles. Call the office in advance to discuss access needs.
Patients must be accompanied by a family member or friend. Please also arrange any needed mobility assistance: clinic staff cannot provide physical assistance, including help to or from vehicles. Call the office in advance to discuss access needs.
Evaluation & diagnostic support
Different tools.
A more complete understanding.
Testing is guided by your circumstances. Your provider explains the purpose of recommended studies and how results may inform care.
Cognitive testing
Paper-and-pencil tasks, oral questions, and other measures help assess memory, language, perception, and concentration. Validated measures include the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
Examination & history
A physical and neurological examination, medical history, family history, and input from someone who knows the patient help the team understand symptoms in context.
Brain imaging
Your provider may discuss MRI, CT, PET/CT, or amyloid PET imaging as part of the evaluation. Imaging is performed at the appropriate imaging facility; your care team reviews the results.
Genetic testing
Selected genetic testing may help evaluate inherited or atypical neurodegenerative conditions and inform a care discussion. The provider determines whether testing fits the patient’s history and circumstances.
Laboratory & biomarker testing
Laboratory testing may include blood-based biomarkers such as p-tau217 or PrecivityAD2®, depending on the clinical evaluation. Some patients may need cerebrospinal fluid testing through a lumbar puncture, performed with X-ray guidance by interventional radiologists at a partner radiology clinic.
Before you are scheduled: review the referral form with your primary care provider for required screening and documentation. Additional diagnostic studies may also be recommended after the first visit.
Some imaging, laboratory testing, and procedures are provided by outside facilities and may generate separate bills. Coverage and patient costs depend on the individual insurance plan.
Ongoing care
A plan that continues
beyond the diagnosis.
Once a diagnosis is established, follow-up visits are scheduled with our nurse practitioners; some visits may also be conducted by the doctor. Cognitive screening is performed every six months to monitor changes over time.
When appropriate, the team discusses medications and may consider available clinical research opportunities. Care and research participation depend on individual circumstances and eligibility.
Learn about clinical research ↗Care works best together
Keep your primary care connection.
TMDF is a consult-only practice. Maintain ongoing care with your PCP and, when applicable, your neurologist or psychiatric provider.
After a major procedure or hospitalization, follow up with your PCP before returning for a routine visit at TMDF.
Review care expectations ↗Take the next step
Ready to learn more
about care at TMDF?
We provide care for adults aged 55 and older with memory problems. Individuals younger than 55 with concerning symptoms or a family history may also be considered for evaluation and possible clinical research.
Referral steps & patient forms ↗1400 Dowell Springs Boulevard
Upper Entrance · Suite 340
Knoxville, Tennessee 37909
Upper Entrance · Suite 340
Knoxville, Tennessee 37909
Cash payments are not accepted for patient services, including copays and visit-related charges. Website information is educational; individual evaluation guides care. For a medical emergency, call 911.