Can memory care expenses be deducted

[Vanessa · Accepted solution]

Dementia and Alzheimers and other similar medical memory care expenses may be deductible as medical expenses(ex. home healthcare worker to care for someone medically unable to do it themselves would be deductible. Taking Ginseng to boost your memory would not)  if you itemize your return instead of taking the standard deduction.  Your medical expenses only count for the amount that is more than 7.5% of your AGI.  

Also, if your standard deduction is greater then the itemized deductions, you will not see a difference on your return. 

Standard deductions are as follows

• Single or Married Filing Separate- $12,000
• Head of Household- $18,000
• Married Filing Jointly- $24,000