Memory Issues and Early Stages of Dementia
Personalized, EEG-Guided Neuromodulation in Newport Beach
Are You Concerned That Your Memory Changes May Be More Than Normal Aging?
Most people have occasional memory lapses — walking into a room and forgetting why, misplacing keys, or struggling briefly to find the right word. These moments are common and often part of normal aging.
But if memory concerns begin to feel more frequent, more disruptive, or more worrisome, it’s natural to ask whether something more may be going on.
Feeling concerned does not mean something serious is happening — but it does mean it may be worth evaluating.
At Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach, we offer individualized brain-based assessment and neuromodulation options for select patients experiencing cognitive changes.
One approach used in our clinic is MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy), an EEG-guided form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The equipment used is FDA-cleared for Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off-label in other clinical contexts.
Dr. Julie Kim provides this non-invasive, medication-free technology to patients in Newport Beach and surrounding areas. By evaluating patterns of brain activity and tailoring stimulation accordingly, treatment is designed to support brain communication and cognitive function.
Outcomes vary by individual, and a comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether this approach may be appropriate as part of a broader care plan.
How MeRT Is Used in Memory and Cognitive Concerns
If you move forward with evaluation, the first step is a quantitative EEG (qEEG), which measures patterns of electrical activity in the brain. This data helps identify areas that may be underperforming or out of sync.
Based on those findings, a personalized neuromodulation protocol is developed. Using targeted transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), gentle magnetic pulses are applied to specific regions of the brain associated with cognitive function.
The goal is to support more efficient communication within brain networks involved in memory, focus, and processing speed.
As with any medical treatment, results vary by individual. A thorough assessment helps determine whether this approach may be appropriate as part of a comprehensive plan.
How MeRT Differs from rTMS When Addressing Memory Concerns
MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) evolved from rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation), a technology that is FDA-approved for Major Depressive Disorder and OCD.
Traditional rTMS protocols typically follow standardized treatment parameters based on established clinical guidelines. MeRT incorporates additional diagnostic tools — including quantitative EEG (qEEG) and EKG data — to help inform a more individualized treatment plan.
Using this data, clinicians adjust variables such as stimulation location, frequency, and intensity based on each patient’s brainwave patterns and clinical presentation.
The goal is to support more precise neuromodulation tailored to the individual. As with any treatment, outcomes vary and depend on the person’s underlying condition and overall health.
Memory Issues in Normal Aging vs. Early Dementia
The early stages of dementia can be challenging to distinguish from normal age-related memory issues. Here are some key differences to be aware of:
- Frequency and severity of forgetfulness: Occasional forgetfulness is normal as we age. However, with early dementia, memory lapses become more frequent and noticeable.
- Impact on daily life: With normal aging, memory lapses don’t significantly disrupt daily life. With early dementia, forgetfulness starts to interfere with daily activities.
- Difficulty learning new information: Learning may take a bit longer as we age, but you can still acquire new skills and knowledge. However, learning and retaining new information with early dementia becomes progressively more challenging.
- Language and communication problems: Difficulty finding the right words or pauses in conversation can happen as we age, but they’re not consistent. With dementia, language difficulties increase, such as losing track of conversations and repeating oneself.
- Spatial and navigation challenges: Normal aging can bring on mild difficulties, such as occasionally getting lost in familiar places. With early dementia, these challenges become more pronounced and regular.
- Mood and personality changes: With normal aging, mood and personality remain stable, only shifting due to life events. However, noticeable mood swings, anxiety, and apathy can emerge in early dementia.
- Difficulty planning and problem-solving: Older adults can still manage complex tasks and make plans, even if they may take more time. With early dementia, these abilities decline, and it can be overwhelming to make decisions.
It’s important to note that everyone’s experience with aging and cognitive changes is unique. Early diagnosis and intervention can be crucial for managing dementia and maintaining quality of life.
The MeRT Process to Treat Memory Issues
MeRT evolved from a technology called rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). However, MeRT is much more customized for each patient based on their brain scans and symptoms.
Studies have shown altered brain wave oscillations in patients suffering from conditions such as Major Depression Disorder (MDD), Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and more. The MeRT treatment protocol uses a magnetic field to balance and stimulate brain function.
Click through these simple 5-Steps in the horizontal menu below…
- Talk with our New Patient Coordinator
- Initial Analysis
- Assessment Period
- Full Treatment Program
- Final Testing
Our New Patient Coordinator is here to help
Call us and talk with our New Patient Coordinator. She will take the time to answer any questions you have as explain things. You can discuss your specific circumstances and she can explain how it all works.
This consultation is free of charge and there are no obligations to move forward with any further steps.
If you would like to take the next steps to see if you or your loved one may benefit from MeRT, she can schedule a qEEG (brain scan) and a consultation to discuss the results with our clinician.
Call (949) 418-1108
The qEEG and Consultation
If you are interested in seeing if MeRT treatment is right for you, we will initially schedule two appointments, both of which last about 45 minutes.
This simply involves a qEEG (quantitative EEG or brain scan), followed by a consultation with our clinician a few days later to see your results before making any decisions about treatment or proceeding with anything further.
For the initial analysis, you will come in for a comprehensive testing appointment. We will gather your new patient paperwork, and then our chief neuro technician will perform a qEEG and EKG to enable us to identify any dysfunction or communication problems in your brain.
Your second appointment usually runs about 45 minutes. During this time, you will meet with one of our clinicians, Kayleigh Prowse of Sheila Stephens, for your consultation. She will discuss your qEEG results, answer any questions you may have and discuss your applicable treatment plan. Dr. Julie Kim, our Medical Director, oversees all treatment for each patient.
Should you decide to proceed with treatment, we will schedule your assessment period.
Two Weeks of MeRT followed by new testing
The assessment period of treatment lasts two weeks. This assessment period will help you — and us — determine how you are responding to treatment.
You will have your initial qEEG/EKG and then attend treatment sessions for two weeks. The first week will be Monday through Friday, and the second week, Monday through Thursday, nine sessions in total, followed by a repeat qEEG to determine progress and note any changes occurring in your brain.
A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. You will sit in a chair while the neuro-technician administers the treatment near the scalp via a hand-held magnet. We deliver gentle magnetic impulses for six to eight seconds each minute. You may feel a slight sensation while the treatment is occurring, but it is not painful or uncomfortable.
Continuing Treatment
Once the assessment period is complete, we will schedule the subsequent two-week treatment periods. Because each treatment period lasts for two weeks, you must be able to stay in Newport Beach or the surrounding area for each 2-week treatment period.
The comparison between the initial and second qEEG/clinical evaluation will often show if you are responding. You may also start to experience changes in the way you are feeling during this time. For some, it takes longer before changes are more obvious. We highly advise a total of six to eight weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period) for optimal and long-lasting results.
Since each brain is unique, the protocol will be different for each patient as it is based on specific qEEG/EKG data from your brain, and the specific condition being treated. Generally, the results of treatment can last a lifetime, though some people prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed. But each person is different, and protocols may vary. Your provider will have regularly scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to gauge your progress.
Review of Changes and Improvements
An additional qEEG is performed at the end of treatment to assess and take stock of the benefits and improvements that have occurred as a result of the full treatment protocol.
Please note that results and improvements are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual users and are not guaranteed. Plus, the results of therapy can vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of MeRT therapy, the longer the changes remain.
Benefits of MeRT Treatment for Memory Issues
While each patient is unique, here are some of the reported benefits of MeRT treatment:
- Improved sleep
- Better decision-making skills
- Improved clarity of thinking
- Improved concentration skills
- Increased motivation
- Better attention span and decreased response to distractions
- Decreased anxiety
- Better mood
- Improved emotional stability
- Fewer cravings for alcohol and/or drugs
- More energy
- Improved social skills
- Improved self-confidence
- Elevated sports/athletic performance
Your memory issues don’t have to hold you back. MeRT can improve your brain performance and help you live a happier, more fulfilled life!
Insurance & Payment Information
rTMS is FDA-approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). For memory concerns, cognitive decline, or early dementia, treatment is considered off-label. Insurance reimbursement for off-label applications is uncommon.
We are considered out-of-network with most insurance providers and do not submit claims directly. However, we can provide a detailed superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Coverage, if any, is determined by your individual plan.
Please note that we are unable to accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Payment Options
We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Financing is available through CareCredit, an independent healthcare financing company. Qualified applicants may be eligible for promotional financing options. Approval and terms are determined directly by CareCredit.
Contact Our New Patient to Learn How We Can Help Treat Memory Issues
It’s normal for patients and their families affected by brain disorders to feel uncertain about treatment options and what is best. MeRT is a treatment protocol that has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and get a whole new lease on life.
Our goal is to help guide you through the process so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not MeRT is the right treatment for you or your child. Our clinicians and technicians are passionate about helping you to heal.
The New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have about how MeRT can help you specifically. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and put your mind at ease. She can also assist in getting you scheduled with the clinic should you decide to move forward with treatment.
Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More
(949) 418-1108
Or fill out the Contact Form below and we will contact you.
Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More
Or fill in the form below and we will contact you.
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