The short answer: Florida has 17 state-authorized Memory Disorder Clinics. They work in 13 service areas around the state. The clinics offer detailed diagnostic checks and referrals for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. They also do research and build training for caregivers. The state's own pages do not say what the clinics charge, so ask each clinic about fees and insurance before you book.
This guide explains general information in plain language. It is not medical advice. For advice about your own health, talk to your doctor or another licensed professional.
What Is a Florida Memory Disorder Clinic?
A Memory Disorder Clinic (MDC) is a specialty clinic for memory and thinking problems. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs says these clinics give comprehensive diagnostic and referral services for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The clinics also run service-related research projects. They also create caregiver training programs and teaching programs for caregivers, respite providers and health care workers.
The clinics are part of the state's Alzheimer's Disease Initiative (ADI). Florida law sets up the clinics "for the purpose of conducting research and training in a diagnostic and therapeutic setting," according to Section 430.502 of the Florida Statutes. A related section, 430.501, creates the Alzheimer's Disease Advisory Committee and research grants.
What Do the Clinics Do?
The Department of Elder Affairs describes the main jobs of the clinics this way:
- Diagnosis: Checking memory and thinking problems and working toward a diagnosis.
- Referral: Pointing patients and families to other services that may help.
- Research: Projects that look at how care and support services work in real life.
- Caregiver training and education: Programs for family caregivers, respite providers and health care professionals.
The state pages do not list the exact tests each clinic uses. Each clinic runs its own program, so call and ask what a visit includes, how long it takes and who you will see.
Does It Cost Anything?
This is the most important question, and the official pages do not answer it. Neither the Department of Elder Affairs page nor the clinic map says the clinics are free or set a fee. The state law on clinics also has no fee schedule.
The law does say the state scores clinics on things like outreach to low-income and minority groups and whether they accept Medicaid and commercial insurance. That tells us insurance is part of the picture. It does not tell us what any one clinic charges you.
Before you book, many families ask the clinic:
- Which insurance plans do you take, including Medicare and Medicaid?
- Do you need a referral from my doctor?
- What will I owe for the first visit, and for any tests?
- Is there help with costs if I cannot pay?
Memory Disorder Clinics by City
This table comes from the Department of Elder Affairs' Memory Disorder Clinics map (PDF). The numbers are the state's service areas. Phone numbers and street addresses are on that map. Check it for the latest details.
| Service area | Clinic | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Florida Medical Center Clinic, Memory Disorder Clinic | Pensacola |
| 2 | Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, Memory Disorder Clinic | Tallahassee |
| 3 | Mayo Clinic, Memory Disorder Clinic | Jacksonville |
| 4 | University of Florida, Memory Disorder Clinic | Gainesville |
| 5 | Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute's Center for Aging and Memory Disorder Clinic | Orlando |
| 5 | AdventHealth Memory Disorder Clinic | Orlando |
| 6 | Health First Memory Disorder Clinic | Melbourne |
| 7 | Madonna Ptak Center for Alzheimer's Research and Memory Disorders Clinic | Clearwater |
| 8 | University of South Florida, Memory Disorder Clinic | Tampa |
| 9 | St. Mary's Medical Center Memory Disorder Clinic at Palm Beach Neuroscience Institute | West Palm Beach (a second site is listed in Boynton Beach) |
| 9 | Florida Atlantic University, Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center | Boca Raton |
| 10 | Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Memory Disorder Clinic | Sarasota |
| 11 | Lee Physicians Group, Memory Care Clinic | Fort Myers |
| 12 | Broward Health Memory Disorder Center | Deerfield Beach |
| 13 | Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Wien Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders | Miami Beach |
| 13 | University of Miami, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging | Miami |
| 13 | Frank C. and Lynn Scaduto MIND Institute at Miami Jewish Health | Miami |
That is 17 clinics. Some counties have no clinic nearby, so families may need to travel. Ask if the clinic can send test results to your regular doctor.
How to Get an Appointment
Each clinic sets its own intake steps. Some may want a referral from your doctor. Others may take calls from families. The state does not publish one rule for all 17 clinics, so call the clinic that serves your area and ask.
It often helps to start with your primary care doctor. A doctor can check for other causes of memory problems, such as medicine side effects, and can send records to the clinic.
What to bring
- Your photo ID and insurance cards, including Medicare and any other plan.
- A list of all medicines, vitamins and supplements.
- Names and phone numbers of your doctors.
- Past test results or imaging records, if you have them.
- Notes on what has changed, when it started and examples. Include safety problems like getting lost or leaving the stove on.
- A family member or friend who knows the person well and can answer questions.
What Medicare Covers
You do not have to use a state-designated clinic to get a memory check under Medicare. Medicare.gov describes two relevant services.
- Yearly wellness visit: The provider does a cognitive assessment to look for signs of dementia. Medicare.gov says you pay nothing for the yearly wellness visit if your provider accepts assignment. The first one cannot happen within 12 months of enrolling in Part B or of a "Welcome to Medicare" visit. After that, it is covered once every 12 months.
- Cognitive assessment and care plan services: If a problem is suspected, Medicare Part B covers a separate visit. The visit reviews your thinking, can confirm or set a diagnosis such as dementia, and creates a care plan. It can include a medicine review, referrals to specialists and information on community resources. You may bring a spouse, friend or caregiver. Here you pay the Part B deductible first, then 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
Costs can change with other insurance, your doctor's charges and where you get care. For help understanding your Medicare coverage, see our guide to Medicare options in Florida.
Help for Caregivers: Respite and Support
The Alzheimer's Disease Initiative also pays for caregiver relief. The Department of Elder Affairs says ADI respite care is for people age 18 and older who have a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. It can include in-home care, facility-based care, emergency respite care and extended care for up to 30 days.
Other ADI supports include case management, special medical equipment and supplies, caregiver counseling and support groups, and caregiver training. These services run through Florida's 11 Area Agencies on Aging. The Elder Helpline can connect you to your local agency, and the agency decides eligibility. Our guide to family caregiver support in Florida explains more programs.
State of Florida Brain Bank
The Department of Elder Affairs also lists the State of Florida Brain Bank. It coordinates brain tissue donations for Alzheimer's and related dementia research. To take part, a person must live in Florida when they enroll, have a diagnosis, complete a full neuropsychological evaluation and give available medical records. The program is partly funded by the ADI and works with Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami. Read the full rules on the state's ADI page.
After a Diagnosis
A diagnosis can bring hard questions about daily care and housing. Some families look at memory care communities over time. Our guides on memory care in Florida and how to choose a memory care facility explain what to look for. For a look at daily life, read dementia caregiving realities.
Where to Get Free Help
- Florida Elder Helpline: 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337). Ask about Alzheimer's Disease Initiative services and your local Area Agency on Aging.
- SHINE (free Medicare counseling): Reach it through the same Elder Helpline number.
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900. The Alzheimer's Association says the line is free and confidential, open every day at all hours, with interpreters in more than 200 languages. Staff do not give medical advice or diagnoses.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns, a financial advisor for financial planning, and an attorney for legal matters. The resources and programs mentioned are subject to eligibility requirements and availability, which may vary. While we strive for accuracy, the information provided may not reflect the most recent updates. Always verify details with official sources or professionals before making decisions based on this content.