Alzheimer's & Dementia Care at Massachusetts General Hospital

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care at Massachusetts General Hospital provides specialized evaluation, diagnosis and ongoing management for patients experiencing memory loss, cognitive decline and other dementia-related symptoms. Care may include neurological assessment, cognitive testing, brain imaging, laboratory evaluation, treatment planning and support for patients and families.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost depends on the complexity of the cognitive evaluation, specialist consultation, neurological testing, imaging, laboratory investigations and follow-up care required. A personalized estimate is provided according to the patient's evaluation plan.

Complete Description

What Is Alzheimer's & Dementia Care?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological condition that can cause memory loss and changes in thinking, behavior and daily functioning.

Dementia is a broader term describing significant cognitive decline that interferes with everyday life.

Specialized care focuses on determining the cause of cognitive symptoms and developing an appropriate management plan.

Who May Need Alzheimer's & Dementia Care?

Evaluation may be appropriate for patients experiencing:

• Memory loss

• Difficulty finding words

• Confusion

• Problems with concentration

• Changes in judgment

• Difficulty performing familiar tasks

• Personality or behavioral changes

• Progressive decline in daily functioning

Memory & Cognitive Consultation

A specialist may review:

• Current cognitive symptoms

• When symptoms began

• How symptoms have progressed

• Medical history

• Family history

• Medications

• Sleep and mood

• Previous neurological testing

Comprehensive Cognitive Evaluation

The evaluation may assess:

• Memory

• Attention

• Language

• Executive function

• Problem-solving

• Orientation

• Processing speed

• Other cognitive abilities

Neuropsychological Testing

Formal neuropsychological testing may provide a detailed assessment of cognitive abilities.

Testing can help identify patterns of impairment and distinguish between different causes of cognitive decline.

Brain Imaging

Depending on the clinical situation, imaging may include:

• MRI

• CT

• Other specialized brain imaging

Imaging can help evaluate structural changes and exclude other potential causes of cognitive symptoms.

Laboratory Evaluation

Blood tests may be used to investigate potentially reversible or contributing causes of cognitive problems.

Testing is selected according to the patient's symptoms and medical history.

Alzheimer's Disease Evaluation

Specialists may assess whether symptoms are consistent with Alzheimer's disease or another neurological condition.

The evaluation may consider:

• Cognitive symptoms

• Clinical history

• Examination

• Imaging

• Laboratory findings

• Other diagnostic information

Other Causes of Dementia

Cognitive decline can have multiple causes.

Specialists may evaluate for conditions such as:

• Vascular cognitive impairment

• Lewy body dementia

• Frontotemporal dementia

• Parkinson's-related cognitive impairment

• Other neurological or medical conditions

Biomarker Evaluation

For selected patients, specialized biomarker testing may be considered to support evaluation of Alzheimer's disease.

The appropriate tests depend on the clinical circumstances.

Medication Management

Depending on the diagnosis and treatment goals, specialists may discuss medications designed to manage cognitive symptoms or other associated symptoms.

Treatment decisions are individualized.

Management of Behavioral Symptoms

Some patients may experience:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Agitation

• Sleep disturbances

• Personality changes

Specialists may help develop strategies to manage these symptoms safely.

Support for Daily Functioning

Care planning may address:

• Medication management

• Driving safety

• Home safety

• Financial planning

• Daily activities

• Family support

Caregiver Support

Dementia can affect the entire family.

Specialized care may provide guidance regarding:

• Caregiver responsibilities

• Communication

• Safety

• Long-term planning

• Community and supportive resources

Long-Term Dementia Management

Follow-up may include:

• Cognitive monitoring

• Medication review

• Functional assessment

• Management of behavioral symptoms

• Safety planning

• Family and caregiver support

Alzheimer's & Dementia Second Opinion

Patients and families may seek a second opinion regarding:

• Diagnosis

• Cognitive testing

• Brain imaging

• Treatment recommendations

• Medication options

• Long-term care planning

International Patients

International patients should provide relevant medical records whenever possible.

Useful documents may include:

• Neurology reports

• Cognitive or neuropsychological testing

• MRI/CT scans

• Laboratory reports

• Medication list

• Previous treatment records

• Family history information

Benefits of Specialized Dementia Care

Specialized evaluation may help:

• Clarify the cause of cognitive decline

• Identify potentially treatable conditions

• Establish an appropriate diagnosis

• Develop individualized treatment

• Monitor disease progression

• Support patients and caregivers

• Plan long-term care

Why Choose Massachusetts General Hospital for Alzheimer's & Dementia Care?

Massachusetts General Hospital provides specialized neurological and cognitive care through multidisciplinary programs focused on memory disorders, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive impairment, with access to neurological evaluation, diagnostic testing and comprehensive patient support.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

Potential costs may include:

• Neurology consultation

• Cognitive evaluation

• Neuropsychological testing

• MRI or CT

• Laboratory testing

• Biomarker testing when appropriate

• Medication management

• Follow-up consultations

A personalized cost estimate should be requested according to the patient's evaluation and treatment requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia?

Dementia describes significant cognitive decline affecting daily life, while Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common causes of dementia.

2. Can memory loss have causes other than Alzheimer's disease?

Yes. Memory problems can have several causes, including other neurological conditions, medications and certain medical or psychological conditions.

3. How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis generally involves a combination of medical history, cognitive assessment, neurological examination and appropriate diagnostic testing.

4. Can Alzheimer's disease be treated?

While there is no universal cure, treatment and supportive care may help manage symptoms and, for eligible patients, certain disease-modifying therapies may be considered.

5. How much does Alzheimer's & dementia care cost?

Price is available on request. Costs depend on the consultation, cognitive testing, imaging, laboratory work and follow-up services required.

Product Details

Product Name: Alzheimer's & Dementia Care at Massachusetts General Hospital

Hospital: Massachusetts General Hospital

Brand: Massachusetts General Hospital

Country: United States

Specialty: Neurology & Neurosurgery

Service Type: Alzheimer's & Dementia Care

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Available

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA