NorthShore's multidisciplinary Alzheimer's and memory disorders team provides a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
The NorthShore Neurological Institute's Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders program is a comprehensive, compassionate and multidisciplinary care program that focuses on individuals coping with memory problems. Putting the patient at the very center, we work closely with family members and other care providers to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout diagnosis and treatment.
Our team comprises fellowship-trained behavioral neurologists, a neuropsychologist, fellowship-trained geriatricians, a dedicated nurse clinical coordinator, a research nurse coordinator and a social worker—all specializing in memory disorders, including Alzheimer’s treatment. And in addition to daily patient care, we focus on clinical research as a means of furthering our knowledge of memory diseases and treatments, because new discoveries make real differences in patients’ lives.
Another key focus of our program is educating physicians and the community. Our doctors teach internal medicine and family practice residents as part of their geriatric training. We also conduct a weekly conference for doctors and nurses in order to promote further understanding of Alzheimer's Disease and other memory disorders.
Treatment Options
Our approach is built around patients. A combination of neuropsychological test results, social work consultation and medical results gives our physicians comprehensive insight into a patient’s individual needs. We then collaborate with the primary care physician to establish a continuing care regimen. Along the way, our specialists, the patient and the primary care physician are kept in contact via the most advanced electronic medical records system in the nation. This ensures seamless communication and a better patient experience.
Diagnostic Options
Neurological Institute specialists are passionate about pursuing the latest advances in diagnosis and care—and about giving patients access to clinical trials designed to improve their treatment for memory difficulties. From cutting-edge imaging techniques to state-of-the-art neuropsychological evaluation tools, our doctors embrace the highest standard of care, continuously seeking new and innovative treatments.
Patients with cognitive impairment who are being evaluated for Alzheimer's Disease and other causes of cognitive decline now have the option to participate in an FDA-approved diagnostic PET scan using a novel tracer, Amyvid, for imaging plaques in the brain, as may be seen in someone with Alzheimer’s Disease. While this test does not establish a diagnosis, it can help to identify if cognitive decline may be associated with Alzheimer’s Disease or not. This is a self-pay test, as most insurance companies do not currently cover the procedure. Request more information about Amyvid »
Patient and Family Support
We understand that memory loss takes a toll on patients, families and caregivers alike. Our clinicians provide the necessary support and resources. Our nurse clinical coordinator, for example, helps families understand and implement the team’s recommendations. She works with the program’s social worker to connect patients to helpful community organizations and services. We also offer a Family Support Group that meets the second Thursday of every month at Glenbrook Hospital.
For More Information
Please call 877.570.7020 for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.