Lehigh Valley Health Network dedicated the Fleming Memory Center at its Lehigh Valley Health Network - 17th street site Oct. 1.

The 5,300 square-foot facility will centralize clinical, educational and support services for those in the region affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The first of its kind in the area, the center will serve as a hub for a coordinated community network to meet the unique and often changing needs of people with dementia, their families and principal caregivers. New patients will be seen in the center beginning in November.

“We’re here tonight because of the scant, incomplete and unconnected treatment and resources for these people in our community,” Brian Nester, DO, MBA, FACOEP, president and CEO of LVHN said. “I’m sure many or all of you know someone affected by this illness and some who have died of it or are living with it. We need to act on this growing problem, and we will.”

The center’s construction was funded by Richard (Dick) Fleming, of Zionsville. His wife, Peggy, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2002 and succumbed to it in 2008. Following Peggy Fleming’s death, Richard Fleming vowed to fix the system of fragmented care and support they experienced during his wife’s six-year illness.

“When I asked the experts what could be done, the response was, ‘We don’t know,’” said the long-time LVHN trustee about the help he had sought. A former executive at Air

Products, Fleming also gave start-up funding for program development at the center. His gift totaled $1.27 million.

The center features six exam rooms, geriatric and dementia experts and space for consults, meetings, education and caregivers.

Debbie Salas-Lopez, MD, LVHN’s associate chief medical officer, said the center will include the following:

• Targeted education for clinicians, caregivers and the community

• Larger clinical evaluation and care space

• More hospital-based services to quickly identify people with dementia and initiate their care

• Collaboration among community partners to integrate and use pertinent community services

• A memory support team, comprising a geriatrician, clinical nurse specialist, social worker, patient liaison, dietitian and support staff

• Innovative services, including computerized “brain fitness” training for retaining memory and language skills

• Family and caregiver education programs

• Research to enhance dementia diagnosis and treatment, as well as family support

“The Fleming Memory Center will serve our community and be a model for other communities,” Salas-Lopez said. “Dick, your wise leadership, passion for better medicine and financial generosity will have a profound and lasting impact on patient care and support at Lehigh Valley Health Network and in our community. Our debt to you is immense and immeasurable.”

A fellow LVHN trustee, Rev. Jeff Aiken recalled how Fleming’s vision for the center stemmed from the pain and suffering of his wife– and his family– during their arduous journey with Alzheimer’s.

“Dick was determined to find a way to create this center. This is a lasting gift from Dick and a partnership linking people and resources not only from the health network, but also throughout our community,” Aiken said.

Additional information is available at lvhn.org and by following them on facebook.com/LVHealthNetwork and twitter.com/LVHN.