[Memory clinics: value and limitations]

Memory clinics have developed since the early 1980s. Their main objective is the diagnosis of dementia for early multiple disciplinary management.

Memory clinics serve an expert center, allowing early diagnosis in the predementia phase and a precise diagnosis of the cause. Memory clinics have revealed the frequency of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, leading to memory complaints. They provide a significant contribution for follow-up of dementia patients, announcement of the diagnosis, initiation of new treatments, prevention of "emergency hospitalizations" as well as postponement or preparation of institutionalization. They also have an educative role, promoting better use of psychotropics and a better understanding of management approaches and incidents observed during the disease course. Clinical research, which is not always sufficiently supported, is one of their important responsibilities.

The basic limitation for memory centers is the problem of the availability of qualified personnel. The lack of sufficient interest in truly early screening for Alzheimer's disease remains a problem to be solved.