Dementia Services
Dementia Services
The Dementia Diagnostic Center is a specialized program within our Neuropsychology and Medical Rehabilitation Department at our Windsor location. The Diagnostic Center is designed to aid in the evaluation and diagnosis of dementia, document possible changes in functioning, assist in developing a treatment plan, and provide resources to individuals, families, and caregivers.
The Dementia Diagnostic Center was created to allow individuals with concern of a progressive dementia to be evaluated sooner and receive diagnostic clarification, recommendations, and treatment for this debilitating disease in a timely fashion.
Individuals seen in the Dementia Diagnostic Center will undergo a focused neuropsychological evaluation used to help gauge a person’s level of functioning in cognitive domains, such as memory, attention, language, judgment, and problem-solving. Neuropsychological evaluations are non-invasive and involve administration of a variety of mental tasks, most of which are completed while sitting at a table/desk. The evaluation also involves a clinical interview with the individual, family members, and/or other caregivers. The evaluations typically take about three hours. Results and recommendations will be reviewed with the individual and/or family, and a written report will be supplied to the referring provider.
Quick Facts
- 1 in 10 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease.
- Vascular Dementia is the second most common dementia type.
- Of the 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer’s, an estimated 5.2 million people are age 65 and older, and approximately 200,000 individuals are under age 65 (younger-onset Alzheimer’s).
- Nearly 50% of all unpaid caregivers (family, friends, etc.) who provide help to older adults do so for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Goals of the Dementia Diagnostic Center
- Assist with the timely and accurate diagnosis of dementia
- Provide quick and comprehensive recommendations to individuals, treatment providers, and their families
- Track cognitive status overtime and monitor disease progression
- Provide resources for individuals and families
- Assist with caregiver support
Referring to the Dementia Diagnostic Center
To make a referral to the Dementia Diagnostic Center, providers should fax a completed referral form specifically requesting the Dementia Diagnostic Center along with the following relevant medical information, including current ICD-10 diagnoses, and below as applicable:
- Concerns regarding the patient’s functioning
- Medication List
- Relevant Medical/Clinical History
- Neuroimaging History
- Blood work (recent) ruling out any vitamin deficiencies, infections or chemical imbalances
What if I/my patient does not have a dementia such as Alzheimer’s, but is still struggling with memory loss?
Individuals who do not have a progressive dementia, but are experiencing memory and/or other cognitive problems can be referred for a comprehensive evaluation through our general Neuropsychological Department. Please contact 860-270-0600 for more information. We accept all major insurance including Medicaid with a faxed referral.
