MEMORY DISORDERS CLINIC

Jim Ellison, MD, MPH, Director

The Memory Disorders Clinic at McLean Hospital offers a comprehensive outpatient program for the diagnosis and treatment of memory disorders or other cognitive impairment. Consultation and referral services also are available. The Memory Disorders Clinic is part of the McLean Geriatric Psychiatry Program, which provides integrated inpatient, outpatient, partial hospital and community-based psychiatric services to older adults.

Diagnostic Services

Diagnostic services include consultation with a board certified geriatric psychiatrist and a resource specialist who may meet with the patient and his/her family jointly then separately to evaluate the patient's history and current functioning, concerns and social supports. Where appropriate, patients also are seen by a neuropsychologist for more detailed testing of cognitive functioning. Neurological examination and MRI scanning also are available. Once tests are completed, the clinic team makes a diagnosis and develops a treatment plan and recommendations that are shared with the patient and family during a follow-up visit and in a detailed letter. Referring professionals receive a summary letter with copies of test results. Ongoing consultative services are available.

Treatment

Treatment and follow-up services include the use of medicines, counseling for patients and families and additional assistance with locating and using community based resources.

Research

Patients also may be eligible to participate in the clinic's Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Research Program, which conducts research studies of commercially unavailable medications that may affect memory. Participation in these trials or other studies of the clinical effects of the disorder are voluntary.

Insurance

Medicare covers most treatment costs. Other insurance, including Massachusetts Medicaid, is accepted. Supplemental insurance usually covers remaining cost. Hospital staff will assist patients and their families in determining coverage.

Information and Referral

Referrals may be made by patients, their families, physicians or other health-care providers. Staff is available from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, at 617-855-2300, to take referrals or provide more details.