Memory Assessment and Research Services

1. Memory Assessment and Research Services 1241A Military Cutoff Rd. Wilmington, NC 28405 (910)-962-7898 info@memoryassessment.com

2. Mission • A primary goal of MARS is to advance the basic understanding of memory function, structure, and disease through conducting advanced cognitive, clinical, and neuroscience research

3. Founders of MARS • Dr. Len Lecci – A clinical psychologist who specializes in psychological assessment.  He provides the expertise necessary to identify and detect memory disorders using the best assessments available. • Dr. Dale Cohen – A cognitive psychologist who specializes in the mathematical modeling of cognitive functioning.  He provides the expertise necessary to develop new, more sensitive assessments for early detection of memory disorders and other cognitive dysfunctions.  • Dr. Julian Keith – A neuroscientist who specializes in memory and memory functioning.  He provides the expertise necessary to understand the underlying neurological basis of memory disorders and other cognitive dysfunctions

4. People of MARS • Dr. William Acree – Clinician • acree@memoryassessment.com • Lauren Suggs – Counselor and Clinician • suggs@memoryassessment.com • Jennifer Vincent – Office Manager • vincent@memoryassessment.com • Sharon Parkinson - Clinician

5. History • MARS was founded my Dr. Lecci, Dr. Cohen, and Dr. Keith of UNCW in January of 2005. • Memory Assessment and Research Services was established to: • provide affordable memory screenings to the general population, • advance the scientific understanding of memory and memory deficits, and • educate the public about memory disorders and their treatment.

6. History Continued • MARS was formed in response to the emerging data showing that new medications can slow the deterioration of memory if they are administered when the first signs of memory loss begin to appear. • Unfortunately, because most individuals do not have ready access to effective and affordable memory assessment services, people with dementia are often diagnosed when the disease is in an advanced stage.  • MARS alleviates this problem by providing sensitive, valid, and reliable, annual memory assessments to the general public at an affordable price.  • To further advance our understanding of the early detection of memory disorders, MARS has a Research and Development division.

7. Population Served • We recommend that anyone aged 55 and older consider the testing because dementias become increasingly prevalent with age. • This assessment can be used as a baseline to which future assessments can be compared

8. Population cont’d • In addition, there are several indicators that might place you at a heightened risk for later developing memory problems such as Mild Cognitive Impairment or even Alzheimer’s disease. Below are a few of the known factors that may put you at a heightened risk for memory problems: • a family history for dementia (especially if a member of your family was diagnosed by the age of 65) • high blood pressure • type II diabetes • a known or suspected central nervous system dysfunction (e.g., stroke, tumor, etc.) • if you are undergoing treatment involving general anesthesia or medications that affect memory

9. What’s Involved • The MARS memory assessment includes: • a comprehensive memory test • a general test of cognitive functioning • a personality profile • a measure of current mood • a clinical interview.

10. Intern’s Duties • Mainly helping Jennifer Vincent and the Clinicians with work needed around the office • Creating files, research, copying, collating, filing, and any type of office work you can think of.