How to make a new patient appointment:
- We accept referrals from physicians, hospitals, families and any individual who may be concerned about memory loss and would like a consultation.
- To schedule an consultation, call 631-954-2323
New Patient Visit:
The assessment of a new patient requires approximately 1 ½ hours.
A caregiver or individual that knows the patient well is highly encouraged to attend the new patient appointment. The caregiver has an extremely important role during the initial evaluation.
At the first visit to the Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease, any tests that have been previously performed should be brought with you to the appointment for review. These include: blood tests, neuropsychological testing, CT, MRI, and PET scans.
New Patient Visit Expectations
Background History:
The individual undergoes a full neurological exam. Our memory loss treatment team collects medical and mental health history, including the individual's past and present symptoms.
The caregiver is always welcome to meet with the physician or staff separately to discuss their observations of their loved one's forgetfulness or other current symptoms.
Cognitive Testing:
We use paper and pencil tests, oral questions, sensory and other measures to assess memory, language, perceptions, and concentration. We utilize a comprehensive approach that is backed by research and tailored to our patientsto ensure the best senior care.
Results/Diagnosis:
Our memory loss specialists will review their findings with the patient family. Additional testing may be necessary (for example: brain imaging or further neuropsychological testing) and will be performed separately. The memory loss treatment team review differential diagnosis (a list of diseases or disorders that could be a cause of memory loss symptoms) and share this with the patient and family.
Repeat Visits:
After the initial visit the patient and family will be advised of the dementia treatment plan. The patient may recieve a follow-up appointment to provide further care and implementation of the treatment plan. Our center's social work team are available to provide dementia education and offer further guidance to patient's and families based on their individual needs.
With consent from the patient and/or family, as appropriate, our team will contact the primary care physician to review results of the Alzheimer’s consultation and provide any technical assistance/guidance required.