R
Reduce Risk
Identify and address modifiable factors that may place added stress on brain health.
Memory Loss Care in Roseville, California
Memory Changes Deserve More Than “Wait and See”
When forgetfulness begins affecting confidence, daily routines, or independence, it can be difficult to know whether the cause is normal aging, stress, depression, medication effects, mild cognitive impairment, or something more serious.
See Dr. Van Horn This Week
Dr. William Van Horn provides individualized neuropsychiatric care focused on understanding what may be contributing and helping patients take action before memory loss becomes more disabling.
Does This Sound Familiar?
When Forgetfulness Starts Affecting Daily Life
Occasional forgetfulness can happen to anyone. The concern grows when memory changes become more frequent, harder to explain, or disruptive to daily life.
- Repeating questions or stories
- Forgetting recent conversations
- Missing appointments
- Losing track of medications
- Difficulty finding familiar words
- Increased dependence on reminders
- Trouble following complex tasks
- Misplacing important items
- Changes in judgment
- Getting confused in familiar situations
- Brain fog or mental slowing
- Growing concern from family members
Treating the Causes, Not Just the Symptoms
Memory Loss Does Not Have One Single Cause
Memory changes may reflect several interacting factors. Aging and genetics may play important roles, but sleep, mood, medications, cardiovascular health, medical illness, pain, fatigue, lifestyle, and neurological conditions may also affect memory and thinking.
Dr. Van Horn evaluates the whole clinical picture rather than assuming that every memory concern is caused by Alzheimer’s disease or normal aging.
- Aging and genetics
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Medication effects
- Cardiovascular health
- Medical conditions
- Pain and fatigue
- Neurological conditions
- Substance use
- Activity and lifestyle
William A. Van Horn, MD
Earlier Action May Create More Options
Support the Brain While Meaningful Function Remains
Memory care often begins only after cognitive changes have significantly disrupted daily life.
Dr. Van Horn’s approach is to evaluate and intervene earlier, while the patient can still participate meaningfully in outpatient care and while vulnerable brain cells and networks may still be functioning.
His goal is to identify contributing factors, support remaining brain function, and help patients maintain memory, daily function, and independence for as long as possible.
“I believe every treatment decision should begin with one question: How will this treatment impact your brain today, and five to ten years from now?”
Treatment cannot bring permanently lost brain cells back to life. The opportunity is to support brain cells and networks that remain viable.
A Stage-Based Memory Approach
Memory Loss Care Through the R.I.S.E. Program
Appropriate memory patients enter Dr. Van Horn’s R.I.S.E. Memory Program, a stage-based approach designed to support patients from proactive brain-health planning through early-to-moderate memory loss.
I
Intervene Early
Take action when meaningful memory changes first appear.
S
Sustain Function
Support vulnerable brain systems and work to maintain memory, daily function, and independence.
E
Enhance Life
Help patients remain engaged in relationships, decisions, routines, and meaningful activities.
Who We Help
Memory Loss Care May Be Appropriate If…
- You are generally age 55 or older
- You want to begin earlier because of family history or other concerns
- You are noticing early or moderate memory changes
- Family members have noticed increasing forgetfulness
- You are concerned about mild cognitive impairment
- You are worried about possible Alzheimer’s disease
- You have cognitive changes without a clear explanation
- You want a second opinion
- You are concerned about medication-related memory effects
- You remain appropriate for in-person outpatient care
You do not need to know the diagnosis before calling. The free consultation is designed to help determine whether an evaluation or the R.I.S.E. Memory Program may be an appropriate next step.
Experience at the Intersection of Brain and Behavior
Why Patients Choose Dr. William Van Horn
Board-Certified Neuropsychiatrist
More Than 30 Years of Psychiatric Experience
Nearly 20 Years in Geriatric Psychiatry
Individualized, In-Person Care in Roseville
Dr. Van Horn considers both the patient’s current symptoms and how treatment decisions may affect memory, function, independence, and long-term brain health.
Start With a Free Conversation
You Do Not Need to Know the Cause Before Calling
- 1
Tell us what you are noticing
Speak with Juliet Pellegrini, MSW, our clinical director, at no cost.
- 2
Determine whether outpatient memory care may be appropriate
We will listen to your concerns and help determine whether an evaluation or RISE appears to fit the patient’s needs.
- 3
Schedule the appropriate next step
If the service appears appropriate, we will explain the evaluation and scheduling process.
See Dr. Van Horn This Week
When Immediate or Higher-Level Care May Be Needed
Way Treatment Center provides in-person outpatient care and is not designed to stabilize severe behavioral, medical, or neurological crises.
Seek emergency or higher-level care for:
- Immediate danger to self or others
- Severe agitation or aggression
- Sudden or rapidly worsening confusion
- Severe wandering or immediate safety risk
- Medical instability
- Symptoms requiring emergency or inpatient treatment
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for immediate danger, sudden neurological symptoms, severe confusion, or another medical emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Memory Loss
Is memory loss always a sign of Alzheimer’s disease?
No. Memory changes may have several possible causes, including mood, sleep, medications, medical conditions, aging, and neurological disease. Evaluation helps determine which factors may be relevant.
How do I know whether memory changes are normal aging?
Occasional forgetfulness can occur with aging. Increasing, persistent, or disruptive changes deserve closer evaluation, especially when they affect daily function or concern family members.
Do I need a diagnosis before scheduling?
No. Many patients contact Way Treatment Center because they have noticed changes but do not yet know the cause or diagnosis.
What is the R.I.S.E. Memory Program?
RISE is Dr. Van Horn’s stage-based approach to brain health and memory care. It stands for Reduce Risk, Intervene Early, Sustain Function, and Enhance Life.
Can family members participate?
Family observations can be valuable when memory or daily functioning is changing. The appropriate level of family participation can be discussed during the free consultation.
What happens during the free consultation?
You will speak with Juliet Pellegrini, MSW, our clinical director, at no cost. She will listen to what is happening, answer initial questions, and help determine whether an evaluation or RISE may be an appropriate next step.
Take the First Step
Do Not Wait Until Memory Loss Becomes a Crisis
Start with a free conversation about what you or your family are noticing and whether an evaluation or the R.I.S.E. Memory Program may be the right next step.
See Dr. Van Horn This Week
Related Memory Concerns
R.I.S.E. Memory ProgramMild Cognitive ImpairmentAlzheimer’s DiseaseDementiaCognitive DeclineHealthy Brain AgingComprehensive Cognitive & Memory Evaluation
Information on this page is for general educational purposes and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for individualized medical care. Treatment recommendations depend on a clinical evaluation. If you or someone else may be in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.