Expanding MINT Memory Clinics in New Brunswick: A Scalable Solution for Dementia Care 

Title: Expanding MINT Memory Clinic in New Brunswick: A Scalable Solution for Dementia Care

Authors: Sana Adi, MPPA, MHA (Candidate) – Engagement Director, MINT Memory Clinic and Cassy Hemphill, Communications and Engagement Coordinator

Affiliated Institution(s): MINT Memory Clinic and AGE-WELL National Innovation Hub: Advancing Policies and Practices in Technology and Aging (APPTA), AGE-WELL 

The MINT Memory Clinic initiative is transforming dementia care across New Brunswick by improving access to timely, community-based services within primary care. By integrating primary care with specialist support, MINT Memory Clinics reduce wait times, enhance patient outcomes, and improve overall healthcare system efficiency. Currently, one clinic operates in Miramichi, with three additional sites planned in Sackville, Riverside-Albert, and Moncton. This expansion supports the implementation of these clinics while advocating for further growth to meet the increasing demand for dementia care across the province.

MINT Memory Clinics provide standardized, nationally accredited training for healthcare professionals, equipping interdisciplinary teams with the skills needed to deliver high-quality dementia assessments and management within primary care settings. This model has been successfully implemented across multiple provinces, demonstrating significant cost savings, fewer hospitalizations, and improved experiences for both patients and their care partners.

According to the Government of New Brunswick, the province is expected to see an 89% increase in dementia cases between 2020 and 2050. This sharp rise places immense pressure on healthcare resources and underscores the need for innovative, cost-effective solutions that enhance access to dementia care. Traditional diagnostic and disease management models often rely heavily on specialists, leading to long waitlists and fragmented care, particularly in rural areas where specialist access is limited.

The MINT Memory Clinic model directly addresses these challenges by equipping interdisciplinary primary care teams with the necessary training and tools to assess and manage dementia care effectively. By integrating specialist oversight within primary care settings, MINT Memory Clinics reduce the need for direct specialist referrals by 90%, leading to earlier diagnosis, timely interventions, and increased satisfaction among individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

MINT Memory Clinics follow a structured training and mentorship model, ensuring that primary care teams can confidently assess and manage dementia while collaborating with specialists when needed. This approach reduces strain on specialist services, decreases hospital visits, and ensures that individuals receive timely access to appropriate care and community resources. Additionally, this initiative aligns with New Brunswick’s provincial mandate to improve dementia care and supports the broader strategy of integrating community-based services to enhance healthcare system efficiency.

As dementia rates continue to rise, care delivery models that improve patient outcomes while building healthcare capacity are increasingly vital. Evidence-based approaches, such as MINT Memory Clinic’s primary care training model, provide data-driven solutions that demonstrate cost savings, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced system efficiencies. A recent economic analysis by Health Quality Ontario, commissioned by the Ontario Ministry of Health, found that MINT Memory Clinics reduce wait times by over 50%, delay long-term care placement by nearly six months, and decrease emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

Further research is needed to optimize clinic implementation and guide policy decisions related to dementia care funding and infrastructure. With the emergence of disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s, it is essential to ensure that healthcare systems are prepared to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment. Continued research will help refine best practices, inform policy development, and expand access to high-quality dementia care.

The expansion of the MINT Memory Clinic model in New Brunswick has several key policy implications. First, it aligns with the provincial government’s commitment to improving dementia care and provides a scalable model that integrates seamlessly into the broader healthcare strategy. Second, MINT Memory Clinics contribute to healthcare system sustainability by reducing unnecessary specialist referrals, emergency department visits, and long-term care admissions, ultimately lowering overall system costs. Additionally, policy support for the universal adoption of MINT Memory Clinics could help address healthcare workforce challenges by offering training and financial incentives for primary care teams to engage in dementia care. Ensuring sustained funding for clinic operations, healthcare provider compensation, and ongoing training opportunities is critical to the model’s long-term success.

Partnerships with organizations such as the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick can further enhance community outreach and provide additional support services for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Integrating the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick into new and existing MINT Memory Clinics strengthens community-based dementia care by leveraging their expertise in patient and care partner support, education, and advocacy. By working together, MINT Memory Clinics and the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick can continue to improve access to high-quality dementia care while supporting the broader goal of creating a more sustainable, patient-centred healthcare system.

Click here to read the full Policy Brief report!