Center of Excellence at Albany Medical Center

Dementia refers to a group of conditions where there is a progressive decline in memory and other brain functions. Dementia is not a disease; it is a symptom of an underlying brain disorder. There are many possible causes of dementia.

Conditions that can cause dementia include:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Lewy body dementia
• Parkinson's disease
• Wenicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Huntington's disease
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

While there is no cure yet for Alzheimer's disease and most types of dementia, treatments are available that can help people cope with symptoms and improve their quality of life, and even possibly change the progression of the disease.

Promising new treatments have emerged in recent years, and Albany Medical Center and other institutions are conducting research and clinical trials in the search for a cure. One such treatment, Lecanemab, is now available to eligible patients at Albany Medical Center.

The Alzheimer's Association has in-depth information on treatment options for people with Alzheimer's.

The Alzheimer's Association has listed ten early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. They encourage you to contact your physician if you notice any of these signs:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality

(Source: Alzheimer's Association)

The Alzheimer's Association has more information on each of these symptoms and what to do if you are concerned.

If your primary care physician suspects Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, they can make a referral to our center.

Appointments require a referral from a primary care provider. Please request that you primary care provider include the best person and contact number to call. After the referral is received, our office will reach out to schedule an appointment. Primary care physicians can fax medical records, MRIs, CTs, and lab work to 518-264-0902.

Next steps:

• Indicate who we should contact to schedule a new patient appointment.
• Physicians can call referral coordinators at 518-264-0901.
• Patients and caregivers can call The Alzheimer's Center at 518-262-0800 to check if their information has been received.
• It is the patient's responsibility to obtain a referral. We will work with you to obtain one, however, if your referral is not current at the time of your visit, you will be required to sign a waiver and will be responsible for the bill.

We consider it a privilege to be involved in your health care or the health care of your loved one. Here is some helpful advice for your first appointment with us:

• Please complete a patient information packet before your appointment. Call us at 518-262-0800 or email [email protected] to request a packet.
• The assessment of a new patient takes one hour-and-a-half.
• A caregiver or family member who knows the patient is encouraged to attend the appointment. They have an important role during the initial evaluation.
• Any tests that have been previously performed will be reviewed (blood tests, neuropsychological testing, CT, MRI, or PET scan).

Cognitive Testing

We use "paper and pencil" tests, oral questions, sensory, and other measures to assess memory, language, perceptions, and concentration.

Medical History

Patients undergo a neurological exam. The team collects information about past and present symptoms. Caregivers can meet with the physician or staff separately to discuss their observations.

Results & Diagnosis

We will review our findings with patients and families. Additional testing may be necessary (brain imaging or further neuropsychological testing) and will be done separately.