Albany Med and Glens Falls Hospital Recognized as Centers of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has again recognized Albany Medical Center Hospital and Glens Falls Hospital as Centers of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease (CEAD), and has awarded $2.35 million to each hospital in state funding over a five-year period.
As Centers of Excellence, Albany Med and Glens Falls Hospital serve as comprehensive resources to the health care community, providing diagnostic and consultative services to primary care providers in diagnosing patients, development of comprehensive care plans, assistance with the management of complex patient situations, and referrals of patients to specialty care.
Their membership in the Albany Med Health System will allow Albany Med and Glens Falls Hospital to share resources and educational opportunities, making their services even more accessible to the people of our region and patients of the System, which also includes Columbia Memorial Health, Saratoga Hospital, and the Visiting Nurses Association of Albany.
“This designation is reflective of the high level of services both hospitals provide patients and their caregivers,” said Dennis P. McKenna, MD, president and CEO of the Albany Med Health System. “Our ability to leverage both programs’ resources through the Albany Med Health System is a perfect example of the benefit our patients receive with our hospitals working together.”
“Alzheimer’s Disease is such a difficult diagnosis for patients and families – but programs like those offered by CEAD at Glens Falls Hospital and Albany Medical Center offer hope and tangible resources,” says Glens Falls Hospital Interim President and CEO Paul Scimeca. “Once again, the partnership with the Albany Med Health System preserves the local touch so important to the North Country while adding the strength of the region’s only tertiary care and teaching hospital.”
CEAD designations are awarded through a competitive grant application process. The CEADs must meet high standards that are reviewed annually and provide high quality diagnostic and assessment services for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s; patient management and care; referral of patients and their caregivers to community services; and training and continuing education to medical professionals and students on the detection, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
According to the DOH, 410,000 New Yorkers age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2025, this number is expected to increase to 460,000 New Yorkers needing care for Alzheimer’s disease.