R
Reduce Risk
Identify and address modifiable factors that may place added stress on brain health before decline becomes more disabling.
The R.I.S.E. Memory Program
At the First Signs, RISE.
R — Reduce Risk I — Intervene EarlyS — Sustain Function E — Enhance Life
See Dr. Van Horn This Week
Memory changes often begin long before they become a crisis. The R.I.S.E. Memory Program is designed for adults experiencing early-to-moderate changes in memory, thinking, or daily function—and for people who want to take a proactive approach to healthy brain aging.
Dr. William Van Horn provides individualized neuropsychiatric care focused on understanding what may be contributing, supporting vulnerable brain function, and helping patients maintain memory, independence, and quality of life.
What RISE Means
The R.I.S.E. Memory Program is built to support patients at different stages of memory concern — from prevention and early action to preserving function and quality of life.
I
Intervene Early
Take action when the first meaningful memory changes appear, while more brain function may still be supported.
S
Sustain Function
Support memory, daily functioning, and independence through individualized outpatient care.
E
Enhance Life
Help patients remain engaged in relationships, meaningful routines, and the activities that support quality of life.
Early Signs Matter
Are You Noticing Changes in Memory or Thinking?
It can be difficult to know whether memory changes are part of normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, medication effects, stress, depression, or something more serious.
Earlier evaluation may provide more opportunities to understand what is happening and decide what to do next.
- Repeating questions or stories
- Forgetting recent conversations
- Missing appointments
- Difficulty finding words
- Trouble concentrating
- Increased dependence on reminders
- Difficulty organizing complex tasks
- Changes in judgment
- Brain fog or mental slowing
- Concern because of family history
A Stage-Based Approach
The Four Stages of R.I.S.E.
RStage 1
R — Reduce Risk
Before significant decline
Identify factors that may place additional stress on brain health and address modifiable risks before cognitive changes become more disabling.
IStage 2
I — Intervene Early
When the first changes appear
Evaluate memory concerns earlier, while the patient can still participate meaningfully in outpatient care and more brain function remains available to support.
SStage 3
S — Sustain Function
During early-to-moderate memory loss
Support vulnerable but still-functioning brain systems, address contributing factors, and work to maintain memory, daily function, and independence.
EStage 4
E — Enhance Life
Through ongoing individualized care
Help patients remain engaged in decisions, meaningful activities, relationships, family life, and independent functioning for as long as possible.
William A. Van Horn, MD
Treating the Causes, Not Just the Symptoms
Revive the Aging Brain
Memory loss can reflect several interacting processes. Aging and genetics may play important roles, but sleep, mood, medications, cardiovascular health, medical illness, pain, fatigue, lifestyle, and other individual factors may also affect cognitive function.
By the time memory loss becomes severe, some brain-cell loss may already be irreversible. Earlier in the process, however, many brain cells and networks may still be functioning but doing so poorly.
Dr. Van Horn’s approach is to intervene while meaningful brain function remains—to support vulnerable systems, address factors that may be interfering with cognition, and help each patient make the best possible use of the brain capacity that remains.
“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.
Who the Program Serves
The R.I.S.E. Memory Program May Be Right for You 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
- You are concerned about mild cognitive impairment
- You have early or moderate Alzheimer’s disease
- You have early or moderate dementia
- You are experiencing cognitive decline without a clear explanation
- You want a second opinion
- You are concerned about medication-related cognitive effects
- You want a proactive healthy-brain-aging evaluation
- 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 RISE 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 Have Everything Figured Out Before Calling
- 1
Tell us what you are noticing
Speak with Juliet Pellegrini, MSW, our clinical director, at no cost.
- 2
Determine whether RISE may be appropriate
We will listen to your concerns and help determine whether the program appears to fit the patient’s needs and outpatient situation.
- 3
Schedule the appropriate next step
If RISE 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
The R.I.S.E. Memory Program is an in-person outpatient service. It 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 Before Calling
What is the R.I.S.E. Memory Program?
The R.I.S.E. Memory Program is Dr. William Van Horn’s stage-based approach to healthy brain aging, early memory concerns, mild cognitive impairment, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. RISE stands for Reduce Risk, Intervene Early, Sustain Function, and Enhance Life.
Who is the program for?
RISE generally serves adults age 55 and older with memory or cognitive concerns. Adults may also begin earlier because of family history, significant concern, or other risk factors.
Do I need a diagnosis before scheduling?
No. Many patients and families contact us because they have noticed changes but do not yet understand the cause or diagnosis.
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.
How quickly can I be seen?
Appointments may be available this week. Current availability will be confirmed 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 the R.I.S.E. Memory Program may be an appropriate next step.
Take the First Step
At the First Signs, RISE.
You do not have to wait until memory loss becomes a crisis. Start with a free conversation about what you or your family are noticing and whether the R.I.S.E. Memory Program may be the right next step.
See Dr. Van Horn This Week
Related Memory Concerns
Memory LossMild 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.