Services Provided
There are many causes of dementia, some of which are treatable. These
include depression, drug toxicity, 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, family members or friends meet with
our staff to provide a detailed description of symptoms. Obtaining a
thorough patient history is critical, for it helps clarify the situation. This is also an opportunity for the family to learn
more about Alzheimer's and other dementias.
- Medical Examination: Physical and Neurological examinations are performed to determine
the 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
