Memory problems, Alzheimer’s and dementia: assess early, act early
Forgetting names, repeating questions, getting lost on a familiar road: these changes worry families. Some are part of normal ageing; others are early signs of mild cognitive impairment or dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
At Happy Brain Clinic, our neuropsychologists offer a precise cognitive assessment, then cognitive therapy to protect independence and quality of life, in Tyre, Lebanon, and online for families in the Gulf and abroad, with the medical team following the person.
- Neuropsychology
- Families & caregivers
- In Tyre or online
Should a loved one be assessed?
If several of these changes are new and lasting, a cognitive assessment is a good next step.
- Forgets recent conversations or repeats the same questions
- Misplaces things often, or misses appointments and medication
- Has trouble finding words or following a conversation
- Gets lost in familiar places or confuses dates
- Struggles with money, cooking or tasks done easily before
- Mood or personality has changed: withdrawal, irritability, apathy
Talk to our team, confidentially.
Normal ageing, mild cognitive impairment or dementia?
Normal ageing
Slower recall, occasional forgetting, but daily life stays independent.
Mild cognitive impairment
Memory or other functions are below expected, but the person still manages daily life. Follow-up is important.
Dementia
Cognitive decline that affects independence. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause; vascular, Lewy body and frontotemporal forms also exist.
Other causes
Depression, sleep, thyroid, vitamin deficits or medication can affect memory. They must be ruled out by the doctor.
A precise neuropsychological assessment
Standardised tests, interviews with the person and the family, and a clear report shared with the treating doctor.
Learning & recall
How new information is learned, stored and retrieved, which helps tell different profiles apart.
Planning & flexibility
Attention, speed, planning, reasoning and judgement in daily situations.
Words & communication
Naming, comprehension and conversation, with a speech-language pathologist when needed.
Orientation
Perception, orientation and construction.
Autonomy & mood
Independence in daily activities, mood, anxiety and behaviour, with the family’s view.
Baseline & follow-up
A baseline to compare over time and support the doctor’s diagnosis and treatment.
Cognitive therapy that fits real life
No therapy cures Alzheimer’s disease. Well-chosen non-drug approaches can support thinking, independence, mood and the family.
Cognitive stimulation
Structured themed sessions (memory, language, orientation, current events) for mild to moderate dementia, individually or in small groups.
Cognitive rehabilitation
Personal goals chosen with the person and family: using a phone, taking medication, cooking a simple meal, remembering names.
Compensatory strategies
Calendars, reminders, routines, labels and a safer home, so the person relies less on failing memory.
Communication & swallowing
Speech-language therapy for word-finding, communication and safe swallowing as the disease progresses.
Family & caregiver support
Understanding the disease, communicating calmly, managing behaviour changes and preventing burnout.
Brain health
Advice on modifiable risk factors: hearing, blood pressure, diabetes, physical activity, social contact, sleep and mood.
Concerned about a parent’s memory?
Send us a message. We will advise you on the right first step, in Lebanon or online from the Gulf.
What the research says
Cognitive stimulation
A 2023 Cochrane review found small benefits on cognition, and possibly on communication and quality of life, in mild to moderate dementia.
Goal-oriented cognitive rehabilitation
A large randomised trial (GREAT) found better attainment of personal everyday goals in early-stage dementia.
Risk factor reduction
The 2024 Lancet Commission estimates that nearly half of dementia cases could be linked to 14 modifiable risk factors.
Brain-training apps
Computer games alone have limited effects on daily life. We use them only as part of a broader plan.
Support for families in the Gulf
- Dementia cases are projected to rise sharply in Gulf countries by 2050, as populations age
- Many Lebanese and Arab families care for a parent from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh or Kuwait, or support a parent living in Lebanon
- Online sessions in Arabic: family consultation, caregiver coaching, cognitive stimulation and follow-up
- Assessment in person in Tyre when possible, coordinated with the person’s neurologist, geriatrician or psychiatrist
Explore
Scientific and professional sources
- Woods et al. (2023), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in people with dementia
- Clare et al. (2019), International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry: Goal-oriented cognitive rehabilitation in early-stage dementia, the GREAT randomised trial
- Livingston et al. (2024), The Lancet: Dementia prevention, intervention and care, report of the Lancet standing Commission
- GBD 2019 Dementia Forecasting Collaborators (2022), The Lancet Public Health: Global, regional and national prevalence of dementia in 2019 and forecasts for 2050
- World Health Organization: Dementia fact sheet
What families say about us
Real Google reviews from families who worked with our team.
This organization enjoys high-level therapists, and they even develop every day to much higher levels as this field progresses.
Frequently asked questions
Is forgetfulness always a sign of Alzheimer’s disease?
No. Occasional forgetting is common with age, stress, poor sleep or low mood. A neuropsychological assessment helps tell normal ageing from mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Who diagnoses dementia?
The diagnosis is made by a physician, such as a neurologist, geriatrician or psychiatrist. Our neuropsychological assessment provides detailed information that supports the diagnosis and the care plan.
What is cognitive therapy for dementia?
It includes cognitive stimulation, goal-oriented cognitive rehabilitation and compensatory strategies. It aims to support thinking, independence and quality of life, not to cure the disease.
Can cognitive therapy slow Alzheimer’s disease?
It does not stop the disease, but research shows benefits on cognition and everyday goals in mild to moderate stages. It works best alongside medical care, physical activity and social contact.
Can my parent in Lebanon be followed while I live in the Gulf?
Yes. We can see your parent in Tyre and include you in online family sessions, reports and caregiver guidance.
Do you offer sessions in Arabic?
Yes. Assessments and sessions are available in Arabic, English and French.
Book a memory and cognitive assessment
In Tyre or online for families in the Gulf and abroad.