About

The Memory and Cognitive Disorder Center of Vero Beach was founded to deliver comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based solutions for the complex diagnosis and treatment of memory disorders. As advancements in medicine extend life expectancy, we face the growing challenge of managing neurodegenerative cognitive disorders.

Our center serves as a community and regional resource, offering patients access to the latest diagnostic and treatment innovations. We are committed to fostering a compassionate and empathetic culture, which is essential in addressing the progressive nature of these debilitating diseases—80% of which are Alzheimer’s-related.

Through ongoing research and advancements in science, we strive to improve early diagnosis and work toward preventing major disabilities and life-altering impacts for both patients and their families.

With the trust and confidence of our referring physicians and patients, The Memory and Cognitive Disorder Center of Vero Beach is dedicated to providing exceptional care and becoming a beacon of hope for those affected by neurocognitive disorders.

Dr. S. James Shafer

Medical Doctor

Dr. S. James Shafer, a local resident since 1977, has practiced Adult Neurology in Vero Beach and the surrounding area since 1997. From 1997 to 2016 Dr. Shafer practiced in a multi-specialty group and in 2016 ventured in solo practice and formed Vero Beach Neurology and Research Institute. He is the founder and Medical Director of The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Vero Beach that was formed in 2001 and has cared for thousands of MS patients world-wide. While he treats all Neurological Disorders he is a Nationally recognized MS specialist. He, additionally, has expertise in Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke being the founding and current Medical Director of the Indian River Medical Center Stroke Program.

Dr. Shafer completed his Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutritional Biochemistry graduating summa cum laude at The University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida in 1988. He then graduated from Medical School at The University of Miami at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida in 1993. This was followed by a one year Internal Medicine Internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Returning to Gainesville in 1994, he completed his residency in Adult Neurology in 1997 at The University of Florida at Shands Teaching Hospital. Professional activities include being the current Department Chairman of Neurology and Psychiatry at Indian River Medical Center, Medical Director of the IRMC Stroke Program, Secretary of the Indian River County Medical Society, Board Member and Physician Volunteer to the WE CARE indigent care program of Indian River County and Associate Professor of Neurology at Florida State University Fort Pierce, Florida campus.

Dr. Shafer is actively involved in Neurological Research of MS, Stroke, Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Disease and has completed and served as a Sub-Principal Investigator in over 50 National and International clinical research trials. Additionally, he is a Speaker Consultant and Advisory Board Consultant to several major pharmaceutical companies.

He and his wife Helen are active community supporters that serve and support many charitable organizations: The Education Foundation, Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC), Youth Sailing Foundation, Wheels and keels Foundation, Senior Resource Association (SRA), The Live Like Cole Foundation and others. Dr. and Mrs. Shafer are active supporters of The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.

Dr. Shafer has been married to his wife Helen for 30 years and together they have raised 5 children. Oldest daughter Ann-Marie and middle son Robert are in Vero Beach. Their oldest son Art lives in Miami and their youngest son Danny lives in Denver. Joanne the youngest lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They have 4 grandchildren Allison and Charlotte in Vero Beach along with Hank and Audie in Denver.

Fast Emergency Response Time

Professional Staff & Specialists

Cutting-Edge Facility

Individualized Personal Treatment

Our Team

Get the care you need, from professionals who are leaders in their fields.

Our Team

Get the care you need, from professionals who are leaders in their fields.

A Message About Our Team

Our team is comprised of experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals who are passionate about providing personalized care to our patients. we understand that the needs of our patients and their loved ones are unique. As a result, our care team tailors treatment plans to suit the individual while providing support to their loved ones. These treatment plans are developed with the guidance of the latest research and by adopting a holistic perspective that acknowledges the interplay between physical and mental well-being.