From memory clinics to Brain Health Services: implications for older adults and the future of cognitive care in Europe.

Abstract

Aim: To explore the implications of transitioning from traditional memory clinics to Brain Health Services (BHS) for older adults, and to advocate for a geriatric-informed, equitable, and function-oriented approach to brain health care.

Methods: This perspective article draws on discussions within the EuGMS Brain Health and Dementia Specialist Interest Group and relevant literature to examine the implications of emerging Brain Health Services for older adults.

Results: The emergence of Brain Health Services represents a significant shift in cognitive healthcare, moving beyond traditional memory clinic models focussed primarily on dementia diagnosis and management towards prevention, risk reduction, and maintenance of cognitive function. Potential benefits include earlier engagement with cognitive care, multidomain lifestyle interventions, reduction of stigma surrounding dementia, and facilitation of access to emerging disease-modifying therapies. However, substantial challenges remain. Biomarker-driven approaches may overemphasise Alzheimer's disease-centric frameworks despite the high prevalence of mixed pathologies and complex comorbidity in older adults. Ethical concerns surrounding risk disclosure, inequitable access, and resource allocation are also considerable, particularly if services disproportionately benefit younger, healthier, or socioeconomically advantaged populations.

Conclusions: Brain Health Services should be reframed through a gerontologically informed lens that prioritises function, independence, quality of life, and equitable access alongside prevention. Integration with comprehensive geriatric assessment and existing older persons' care pathways is essential. Future research should focus on pragmatic real-world evaluation, inclusive outcome measures, and personalised approaches that account for heterogeneity in ageing. Ultimately, the success of BHS will depend on their ability to support healthy ageing while remaining responsive to the lived realities and priorities of older adults.