Brain Care Center

Memory Disorders

Overview
Alzheimer’s Disease
Amyloid Immunotherapy
Our Location
Our Providers

Care for Brain Disorders with Behavioral Symptoms

Welcome to the Center for Brain, Mind and Memory at Westchester Medical Center. Our program is dedicated to the care of patients and families experiencing brain disorders that manifest with behavioral symptoms. We are equipped to manage and treat a wide range of neurological disorders and symptoms with behavioral manifestations. Many of the patients we see may have:

Alzheimer disease and other dementias
Traumatic brain injury
Movement disorders manifesting with behavioral problems
Epilepsy manifesting with behavioral problems
Autoimmune conditions manifesting with behavioral problems
Stroke with behavioral problems

Care is provided by a group of expert, specialized physicians and allied healthcare professionals. Both outpatient and inpatient care is delivered under one umbrella, supported by advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative technologies and programs.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

The Center brings a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach in caring for individuals with brain disorders and related behavioral symptoms. Comprehensive care involves a team of physicians, nurses, physical, speech and occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers.

Our multidisciplinary team regularly reviews patients’ cases together to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care. We are integrated with other programs in neurology and psychiatry, including for example: epilepsy, movement disorders, neuroimmunology, oncology and sleep medicine.

Behavioral Neurologists

Behavioral neurologists are central to the team. They specialize in diagnosing and managing brain disorders, particularly those related to behavior and cognition. They prescribe medications and lead treatment plans, providing specialized expertise in the field of neurology.

Geriatricians

Geriatricians are physicians who focus on the unique healthcare needs of older adults. They play a crucial role in addressing the complex medical conditions often associated with aging, including those related to cognitive decline and dementia.

Geriatric Psychiatrists

Geriatric Psychiatrists specialize in the mental health and emotional well-being of older adults. They assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders in elderly patients, including those with dementia.

Dementia Care Navigator

Dementia Care Navigators continue to play a pivotal role in guiding patients and families through the complexities of dementia care. They are highly trained in dementia care and serve as a vital link between patients, families, and the healthcare team. They provide information, support, and assist in coordinating care, ensuring that the patient's needs are met and care plans are followed. Their role is to enhance communication, offer guidance, and alleviate the challenges that come with dementia.

Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapists

These therapists focus on rehabilitation and improving patients' physical and cognitive abilities. Physical therapists help with mobility and motor skills; speech therapists address communication and swallowing issues; and occupational therapists work on daily living skills.

Psychologists

Psychologists offer psychological assessment and therapy for patients dealing with behavioral and emotional challenges related to brain disorders. They provide counseling and support, helping patients and families cope with the emotional impact of the condition.

Social Workers

Social workers assist with the social and practical aspects of care. They help patients access community resources, provide guidance on financial and legal matters, and offer emotional support. They also facilitate communication among the healthcare team and the patient's family.

Care Coordinators

In some cases, care coordinators or case managers ensure that patients receive seamless, coordinated care. They help schedule appointments, arrange transportation, and address logistical issues to reduce the burden on patients and their families.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, is a complex and devastating neurological condition that affects millions of individuals and their families worldwide. Our team of professionals understands that Alzheimer's is more than just memory loss; it impacts thinking, behavior, and daily functioning. It affects families as much as it affects the patients. Therefore, we are committed to providing comprehensive and advanced care for patients and families affected by the disease.

Our approach is rooted in a patient-centered philosophy, and we strive to address the various facets of this challenging condition through a range of specialized services and expertise.

Diagnostic Excellence

Our experts employ comprehensive diagnostic tools and techniques to accurately identify Alzheimer's disease in its earliest stages. We utilize advanced imaging, genetic testing, and cognitive assessments to provide a precise diagnosis.

Individualized Treatment Plans

Each patient's journey with Alzheimer's is unique. Our team of neurologists, psychiatrists, and geriatric specialists collaborates to create personalized treatment plans that may include medication, cognitive therapies, and lifestyle interventions tailored to the patient's specific needs.

Ongoing Monitoring and Support

Alzheimer's is a progressive condition, and we offer continuous monitoring to adapt treatment strategies as needed. Regular follow-ups with our specialists help ensure the most effective care over time.

Caregiver Education and Support

We understand the crucial role caregivers play in the lives of those with Alzheimer's. Our center provides resources, counseling, and support groups to help caregivers navigate the challenges of caring for their loved ones.

Coordination of Care

We prioritize seamless communication among our team members and with the patient's primary care physician to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to care.

Behavioral Health Services

Alzheimer's often presents behavioral and psychological symptoms. Our center has behavioral health specialists who are experienced in managing and addressing these aspects of the disease.

Community Outreach and Education

We are committed to raising awareness about Alzheimer's in the community. Our educational programs and outreach efforts aim to inform the public about prevention, early detection, and the latest advancements in Alzheimer's care. Additionally, we work closely with the Alzheimer’s Association to provide a complete patient journey for patients with Alzheimer Disease.

End-of-Life Care Planning

For patients in advanced stages of Alzheimer's, we provide compassionate end-of-life care planning that respects the patient’s dignity and the preferences of both patients and their families.

Amyloid Immunotherapy for Alzheimer's Disease

Immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease represents an exciting frontier in the quest to understand and treat this complex condition.

What is Immunotherapy for Alzheimer's?

The US FDA has approved medications that remove a protein called amyloid that is deposited in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients and is thought to contribute to the disease process. Clinical studies have shown that, when used early in the disease in carefully selected and monitored patients, these medications may slow the disease process.

To be eligible for this medication, the dementing illness must be assessed and diagnosed, and staged precisely. The clinician may then order imaging tests or a spinal tap to demonstrate the presence of amyloid in the brain.

The currently approved amyloid-removing medications are administered intravenously every two or four weeks. Patients would need to have sequential brain MRIs to check for the presence of complications that can happen in a portion of patients.

While the recently approved amyloid immunotherapy treatments are promising, there is much more that can be done for patients and families suffering from Alzheimer's disease to improve their quality of life.