The role of a CNS in a memory clinic

The advent of medications to treat the symptoms associated with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease has added to the critical need for early diagnosis of dementia. Yet diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease require specialized assessment and knowledge. To address the needs of patients and families coping with Alzheimer's disease, an ambulatory care memory clinic was established in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. This article describes the four components of the clinical nurse specialist role in this clinic that reflect the essential characteristics of advanced nursing practice.