About This Center
UT Health Austin’s Comprehensive Memory Center within the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences diagnoses and treats neurodegenerative conditions that impact memory, behavior, and other cognitive functions that typically occur in older adults but in rare cases can occur in younger adults. We put patients and their loved ones at the center of their care. Our goal is to help you and your care partners determine what is causing the changes you are experiencing and provide you with support and resources.
Please note: We typically do not treat individuals with primary psychiatric concerns, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We do not accept referrals for long-term medication management of patients who have already been diagnosed with dementia.
In 2021, the Comprehensive Memory Center was recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System-Committed to Care Excellence for its efforts to improve health care for older adults through the use of evidence-based interventions known as the "4Ms" (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility).
In 2018, the Comprehensive Memory Center was recognized as an Innovator in Aging by Health and Human Services for being the first neurology specialty dementia clinic designed to put patients’ health values first.
Treatment Approach
At UT Health Austin, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your care. This means you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines caring for you in one place to avoid having to schedule multiple appointments with providers at locations all over the city. The Comprehensive Memory Center care team includes neurologists, neuropsychologists, an advanced practice provider, a speech-language pathologist, clinical social workers, and more who work together to help you and your loved ones understand your condition and treatment options. We are also actively engaged with research and collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to connect you with studies of potential interest to you.
Our care team provides comprehensive evaluations and treatment planning tailored to your individual needs and goals. This may take place over several visits and include a neurological exam, neuropsychological testing, lab work, brain imaging, cognitive-communication treatment, counseling, and education. We encourage you to bring a close family member or friend to your appointments. A licensed clinical social worker will meet with your family member or friend in a separate visit to complete a comprehensive assessment of their needs and goals.
Appointment Information
At the Comprehensive Memory Center, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized care to every patient and caregiver. Due to the high demand for our specialized neurology services, we are only able to accommodate a limited number of new patients each month. We understand this may result in longer wait times for appointments, and we sincerely appreciate your patience as we strive to provide excellent care to each individual. Rest assured, your health and well-being remain our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring each patient receives the attention and care they deserve. Thank you for considering the Comprehensive Memory Center for your neurology needs.
To refer a patient, please complete the following:
After the referral has been accepted, the diagnostic process typically involves a minimum of three appointments: a diagnostic interview, a caregiver assessment, and a feedback visit. We strongly encourage a family member or someone who knows you well to attend all appointments.
- First, we will schedule a diagnostic interview with you and your care partner, typically a family member or close friend. During this visit, we'll listen to your concerns and ask questions about your physical and mental health to better understand your personal goals and needs. We may also administer a cognitive screening test and conduct a neurological exam. Additional diagnostic tests, such as brain imaging, blood tests, and/or neuropsychological testing, may be ordered as needed.
- Next, a health social worker will meet with your care partner to assess their needs and goals. We strive to provide whole-person care, which includes supporting your loved ones.
- Finally, at the feedback visit, we will review your test results, provide a diagnosis, and share recommendations, which may include medication, brain health education, cognitive-communication therapy, and/or counseling.
Once your care has been stabilized, you will return to your primary care or referring physician for ongoing medical management. Our cognitive-communication therapy and social work counseling services are available as needed. We recognize that as your disease progresses you may have questions and additional needs, and our team is available to consult with you and your family members. Patients and their families are encouraged to contact us with questions in between visits via the patient portal or nurse line at 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737).
Self-Scheduling
Self-scheduling is now available only for follow-up appointments for established patients. An established patient is an individual who has been seen previously by a Comprehensive Memory Center provider and has established a MyUTHA Portal account. Self-scheduling may be completed as early as 72 hours prior to the appointment date and time you wish to select, provided there is availability. To self-schedule your follow-up appointment with Comprehensive Memory Center, please select an available date and time under the "CMC" specialty through your portal, which can be accessed here. For detailed instructions on how to self-schedule your follow-up appointment, please visit here.
New Patients
All new patients must be referred by their healthcare provider. If you have questions about the status of your referral, you can call the UT Health Austin Access Center at 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737).
If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, stroke symptoms, or loss of consciousness, please dial 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency room.
To explore FAQs regarding your upcoming appointment, please click here.
Effective October 11, 2024 Anna Finger, LCSW will no longer be seeing patients at UT Health Austin. Patients should receive a notification by mail or they can download the patient notification letter here.
If you wish to keep your care with UT Health Austin, no action is necessary. If, however, you wish to find another provider, please visit our Medical Records page for information on requesting your medical records.