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Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe)
Contact the Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe)
Neurology Consultation Secretariat
- Tel. 02 555 33 57
- E-mail : Cons [dot] Neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Cons[dot]Neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)
General Secretariat of Neurology
- Tel. 02 555 69 25
- E-mail : sec [dot] med [dot] neuro [at] erasme [dot] ulb [dot] ac [dot] be (sec[dot]med[dot]neuro[at]erasme[dot]ulb[dot]ac[dot]be)
An Innovative Structure Serving Patients, Their Families, and Research
In response to the rapidly increasing number of age-related cognitive disorders and the anticipated arrival of disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Erasmus Hospital – H.U.B launched, in 2025 and with the support of the Erasmus Fund, the establishment of the Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe). This pioneering facility combines diagnosis, care, and cutting-edge research in one place to offer patients and their loved ones complete, coordinated, and accessible support.
Designed as a reference center, CIMe offers comprehensive, human, and innovative care. Each patient benefits from a structured care pathway from the first cognitive complaints, including a thorough assessment, a personalized care plan, and regular follow-up, including support for caregivers and family.
Patient Care Path at CIMe
From First Symptoms to Long-Term Follow-Up
The Integrated Memory Clinic (CIMe) offers a full care pathway for people with memory or other cognitive difficulties. The evaluation is multidisciplinary, person-centered, and adapted to each profile. CIMe welcomes patients of all ages, including early forms of Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.
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Our Care Services
At CIMe patients can access:
- Specialized memory consultations (neurology, geriatrics)
- In-depth neuropsychological evaluations
- Additional exams: brain imaging (MRI, PET), EEG, polysomnography, biological and genetic analyses
- Short hospitalization (3 days/2 nights) for intensive assessment
- Personalized care plan discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting
- Regular outpatient follow-up (medical and paramedical)
- Support for family and caregivers
- Potential participation in clinical studies and innovative projects
With its dedicated hospitalization unit, immersive virtual reality platform, and access to unique technologies such as magnetoencephalography, CIMe offers personalized care integrated with clinical research and focused on the future.
Technologies Used at CIMe
Immersive Virtual Reality Room
Virtual reality, initially used in rehabilitation and psychiatry since 2010, is now innovatively applied to cognitive neurology. The immersive virtual reality room at CIMe allows:
- Immersive diagnostic assessments by recreating familiar environments (kitchen, street, etc.)
- Observation of cognitive and behavioral issues in simulated everyday contexts
- Potential future use in cognitive stimulation protocols or anxiety management
Specialized Hospital Rooms
CIMe provides short stays (3 days/2 nights) for intensive diagnostic evaluations in a comfortable environment. All rooms are equipped with continuous electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity and polysomnography (sleep study). These stays also allow for integrated multidisciplinary evaluations.
Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
MEG is a highly precise method for recording brain activity used in neuroscience. It can detect early dysfunction in brain networks, even before symptoms appear. Erasmus Hospital is the only center in Belgium equipped with MEG, central to several clinical research projects on memory and Alzheimer’s disease.
The CIMe Team
Prof. Mélanie Strauss — Academic Head of CIMe
Academic Head, CIMe
Head of Adult Sleep Functional Unit (SomA)
Position
- Hospital Professor, Neurologist
- Specialist in cognitive neuroscience, sleep, and vigilance
- FNRS Researcher
Clinician and researcher, Prof. Mélanie Strauss coordinates translational research projects focused on the links between sleep, memory, and neurodegeneration. Her work combines cognitive neuropsychology paradigms, multimodal neuroimaging methods, and longitudinal studies to better understand the importance of sleep in brain health and to identify early biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr Jean-Christophe Bier — Head of CIMe
Member of the HUB Hospital–Faculty Ethics Committee.
Chair of the Clinical Ethics Consultation Unit – Erasme
Position
Neurologist, Deputy Head of Clinic
Specialist in cognitive neuroscience and behavioral disorders
Dr. Jean-Christophe Bier organizes and delivers care based on a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach. He is involved in translational research projects focusing on cognitive and behavioral disorders. His particular expertise in the potential impact of disease on patients’ relatives led him to develop the ASAPP project (Support and Assistance for Family Caregivers and Patients).
A multidisciplinary team dedicated to patients and their loved ones
Médecins
- Pr Mélanie Strauss, neurologue (FR, EN)
- Dr Jean-Christophe Bier, neurologue (FR, EN)
- Dr Louisien Lebrun, neurologue (FR, EN)
- Dr Faustine Lebout, neurologue (FR, EN)
Infirmiers neurotechniques
- Nathalie Buffe
- Didier Depre
Neuropsychologues
- Oumaïma Benkirane
- Daphne Chylinski
- Patrick Fery
- Florence Gaillardin
- Christelle Maenhout
- Hichem Slama
- Muriel Vandenberghe
Logopèdes
- Nathalie Guerry
- Anne-Sophie Van Der Maren
Ergothérapeute
- Marina Tuganova
CIMe collaborates with departments such as:
CIMe collaborates with departments such as:
Neurology
Geriatrics
Neuropsychology & Speech Therapy
ENT
Ophtalmology
Psychiatry
Rehabilitation
Translational Neuro-Imaging
Radiology - Medical Imaging
Nuclear Medicine
Genetics
Hospital Laboratory (LHUB)
Resources and useful links
Whether you have already been diagnosed or suspect that you may be experiencing memory disorders or Alzheimer’s disease, we are here to support you and guide you step by step. That is why we offer a range of resources (produced by physicians, researchers, patient associations, and public health stakeholders) which, on the one hand, will help you better understand and manage the disease and, on the other hand, enable you to identify support groups with whom you can connect and share experiences.
FAQ on Memory, Cognitive Disorders, and Alzheimer’s Disease
FAQ on Memory, Cognitive Disorders, and Alzheimer’s Disease
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1. What’s the difference between normal forgetfulness and a memory disorder?
Occasional forgetfulness (e.g., names or keys) is common with age and not necessarily pathological. But frequent forgetfulness that interferes with daily life can indicate cognitive disorder or another medical cause.
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2. What is a cognitive disorder?
It refers to impairment in higher mental functions such as memory, attention, language, or reasoning. Causes vary including neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer’s), stroke, deficiencies, medications, depression, etc.
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3. What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia — a neurodegenerative disease that progressively destroys brain neurons, first affecting memory then language, thinking, orientation, and behavior.
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4. What early signs should you watch for?
Subtle signs include trouble remembering recent events, frequent repetition, difficulty managing familiar tasks, and disorientation. Consult a professional if daily life is impacted.
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5. Do all memory problems mean Alzheimer’s?
No. Many causes, including vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, or medication effects, can cause cognitive symptoms. Only medical evaluation can determine the cause.
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6. What are mild cognitive impairments (MCI)?
MCI refers to memory or cognitive difficulties greater than normal aging but not severe enough to majorly impact independence. Some remain stable; others can progress.
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7. When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor if forgetfulness worsens, others notice changes, or there are language, orientation, or decision-making problems. Your GP can do an initial assessment and refer you to memory specialists.
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8. How are cognitive disorders assessed?
Assessment includes a clinical interview, standardized cognitive tests, and sometimes imaging (MRI, CT) or biological tests.
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9. Is there a treatment for Alzheimer’s or cognitive disorders?
There’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s or most dementias. Some treatments can slow symptoms and improve life quality. Reversible causes sometimes can be treated.
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10. Can cognitive disorders be prevented?
Although not guaranteed, a healthy lifestyle — regular exercise, balanced diet, mental stimulation, good sleep, and stress management — is associated with better brain health.