Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia

Overview

It can be alarming when you or a loved one starts experiencing signs of memory loss. Memory problems and other declines in your cognitive function (thinking and reasoning skills) aren’t just part of aging. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are neurological conditions that occur due to changes in your brain.

Dementia neurologists at Cleveland Clinic in Florida have vast experience caring for patients experiencing memory loss and other dementia symptoms. We evaluate and treat all patients, whether they have minimal symptoms or are in advanced stages of disease.

Although there’s no cure for dementia, we can offer skilled, compassionate treatments that maximize quality of life. We understand how memory issues affect your whole family and community and we are there for you every step of the way.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care: Why Choose Cleveland Clinic in Florida

When you choose Cleveland Clinic in Florida for dementia care, you benefit from:

• A patient-centered, empathetic approach: We believe in empowering you to make decisions about your care as much as possible. We prioritize involving you and your loved ones in decision-making, treating you with kindness and compassion.
• Skilled experts: Our dementia neurologists specialize in pinpointing memory issues and offering treatments to maximize your quality of life. We have years of experience in dementia diagnosis and treatment. Meet our team.
• Full range of diagnostic tools: Our neurologists complete detailed assessments using sophisticated diagnostic tools, including MRIs, electroencephalograms (EEGs), cerebrospinal fluid tests and neuropsychological and genetic tests. Using all these tests and tools allows us to make informed, accurate diagnoses that lead to effective treatment plans.
• Team-based approach: Multiple specialists, including dementia neurologists, neuropsychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists, work together to care for you. The wide-ranging locations of specialists throughout the Florida region mean you have easy access to experts as needed.

Conditions Dementia Neurologists Treat

• Alzheimer’s disease.
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).
• Dementia.
• Frontotemporal dementia.
• Huntington’s disease.
• Lewy body dementia.
• Vascular dementia.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Diagnosis and Treatment

Your first visit with our Alzheimer’s disease and dementia treatment team includes a detailed intake and evaluation. We recommend bringing a trusted loved one to the visit who can help provide additional context or ask questions. We use multiple tests and tools to evaluate all factors that could contribute to memory loss, including:

• Conditions such as cancer, heart disease or stroke.
• Family history.
• Genetic mutations.
• Medications.
• Prior accidents or medical problems.

We then create a detailed, personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs and the root cause of your symptoms. This comprehensive plan may include:

• Lifestyle changes: Adjustments to your diet, physical activities or mental stimulation may improve your quality of life and lessen symptoms.
• Medications: No medicine can currently cure Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. But we may prescribe medications that can reduce memory loss symptoms or slow the disease’s progression.
• Neuro rehabilitation: You may benefit from working with a speech therapist, occupational therapist or physical therapist. These neuro rehabilitation experts provide strategies that can improve communication, swallowing, strength, motor skills and self-care management.
• Clinical trials: Researchers are learning more every day about how to treat these diseases. When appropriate, you may have access to new treatment options through clinical trials.

Advanced Medicine for Slowing Alzheimer’s, Cognitive Decline

New IV infusion therapies added to treatment options.

About the Cognitive Impairment Program

Our Cognitive Impairment Program brings together specialists, testing and treatment options if you or a loved one is experiencing cognitive decline. We provide a full suite of evaluations, appropriate imaging (such as MRI) and blood work in one coordinated setting. If you qualify for treatment, you can begin right away at our infusion center — no need for multiple appointments at different locations.

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital now offers the latest FDA-approved IV infusion treatments (lecanemab and donanemab) for people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia secondary to Alzheimer’s disease. Research has shown that these new therapies can slow disease progression better than previous oral medications, providing new hope for people with these types of cognitive impairment and their families. (These therapies are not intended for other types of cognitive impairment or dementia.)

Who is eligible?

You or a loved one may be a candidate if you:

• Have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia secondary to Alzheimer’s disease (diagnosis confirmed by imaging or laboratory tests)
• Have been referred by a primary care provider or a neurologist, or you choose to self-refer for evaluation

How treatment works

If you qualify, your provider will discuss treatments, including:

• Lecanemab: IV Infusions for the first 18 months; but can be transitioned to either monthly or weekly
• Donanemab: Infusions every four weeks for 12 to18 months

Infusions are performed by our expert team at our Scully-Welsh Cancer Center’s Ambulatory Infusion Department.

Comprehensive support services

In addition to treatment, we offer:

• Diagnostic imaging (MRI)
• Social support and speech therapy
• Community resources for you and caregivers
• Patient navigator (coming soon) to help coordinate your care

Flexible access options

• In-person and virtual visits available
• Choose a fully virtual visit or a hybrid model for labs and testing

Why choose Cleveland Clinic Indian River for care?

• One-stop shop for evaluation, imaging and treatment
• Leading-edge therapies and clinical expertise
• Personalized care coordination
• Community-focused education and support

How to get started

• Ask your doctor for a referral, or self-refer if you meet eligibility criteria
• Call 772.770.6848

Our Doctors

Appointments & Locations

Make an appointment at a Cleveland Clinic location in Florida, or schedule a virtual visit.

Locations

Clinical Trials & Research

The Pauline Braathen Neurological Center is one of the clinical trial sites of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. The Center is at the forefront of developing new treatment and diagnostic approaches for patients with cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. There are many different types of clinical trials, from interventional (which include pill, infusion, device, diagnostic approach) to non-interventional (which include observations and follow-up without active treatment). Please visit our clinical research page for more information.