Dementia is an important medical problem with the prevalence and significance growing year after year. Improvement of diagnostic methods facilitates early diagnosis and treatment. This year marks the 20th anniversary of memantine, one of the basic anti-dementia drugs, registration in Russia. It provided conditions for more efficient care of patients with dementia and development of memory clinics in Moscow and major regions of Russia used modern investigation technology and neuropsychological testing. Many multi-central studies involving 1250 patients with cognitive impairment were conducted A great number of educational activities, social projects that helped to increase awareness of dementia issues in medical community as well as society in general were implemented. Total screening programs for identification of cognitive impairment are being introduced, psychological support programs for caregivers of dementia patients are being implemented.