Services Provided
There are many causes of dementia. These
include depression, polypharmacy, and other medical conditions.
Consequently, the diagnosis of Alzheimer's should never be made until a
thorough medical evaluation has been performed. While there is no cure for
Alzheimer's, patients can improve their lives significantly through the
management of their symptoms. Your call to the Alzheimer's & Memory Center
will initiate the following diagnostic evaluation:
- Patient and Family Interview:
After an initial
telephone interview, a packet will be mailed to a designated primary
caregiver. This packet, when complete, will provided a great deal of
information about the patient to the AMC team. Next, family members or
friends will meet with a clinician to review and clarify the history and
current needs for care. Obtaining a thorough patient history is critical for
establishing a differential diagnosis. This is also an opportunity for the
family to learn more about Alzheimer's and other dementias.
-
Medical
Examinations: Separate physical and neurological examinations
are performed to rule out certain diseases, detect contributing factors, and
determine the most likely type of dementia.
- Neuropsychological Testing:
Intellectual abilities, including
memory, language, calculation, and judgment, are measured. The pattern of
cognitive deficits is critical in determining diagnosis. We evaluate areas
of strength as well as weakness - important considerations in terms of
treatment and lifestyle planning.
- Multi-disciplinary Team Conference:
Our team reviews its findings, a diagnosis, treatment plan, and referral
recommendations are determined.
-
Family Conference:
The diagnosis and individualized recommendations are explained to the
patient and family. Questions are encouraged, and a medical report is sent
to the patient's primary care doctor.
-
Re-evaluation:
Patient re-evaluation is
provided annually, with new resource referrals provided as appropriate. Of
course, our staff is available for consultation as needed.
Is a referral needed?
Patients may self-refer or be
referred by a family, an agency, or a physician
We do not take the place of a
patient's personal physician. Patients continue to see their personal
physicians for prescriptions and basic health care.
Benefits of early diagnosis:
-
Possibility
of slowing down the progression of symptoms of the disease
-
Understanding
of behavioral changes
-
Chance
of medical or surgical intervention if Alzheimer's disease is ruled out
-
Early
opportunity to chart patient's memory status
-
Access
to counseling and social services
-
Time
to plan for the future
-
Time
to educate yourself so you know more about what to expect
-
Chance
to find support programs for caregivers
Notice of Private Practices
