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Memory Care Program

URMC / Memory Care Program / Frequently Asked Questions
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Lecanemab (Leqembi) was recently given accelerated FDA approval for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia. This medication is an infusion that will be administered twice monthly in an infusion center and requires regular monitoring for side effects through a series of head MRIs. Lecanemab is not covered by insurance with this current provisional approval, so the Memory Care Program is monitoring this situation closely to see when we will be able to offer this medication to our patients. We may not have this information for another 6 months, so we recommend you speak with your Memory Care provider about this first to see if you or your family member potentially qualify. We will be updating our response as we receive more information about lecanemab.

We offer a specialty service that focuses on patients with memory problems due to dementia and/or probable Alzheimer's. We evaluate the patient and make recommendations to the primary care physician. Family members are encouraged to attend the initial visit, as this is a good time to ask questions and to provide input.

The doctor will administer a physical and/or a neurological exam. Also, the doctor, psychologist and/or a trained rater may conduct a mini mental state examination and sometimes other additional cognitive tests. The mini mental state examination and other cognitive testing involve a verbal interview and some paper-and-pencil exercises.

Usually, you can expect to be here for 1½ hours at the most.

Yes. The doctors often talk with family members while the patient is not present. It is important that family or concerned caregivers be at the initial visit.

If you have health insurance the cost would be no different than any other specialty office visit. If the patient does not have any insurance we will make a referral to Charity Care at Strong Memorial Hospital to see if the patient qualifies.

Call (585) 273-5454 to begin this process. Before we set up an appointment we like to review records from the patient’s primary care provider, including: Prior to your visit, we also like to review the completed demographic packet, which will be mailed to you in advance. Please indicate on the cover sheet the person we should call to set up an appointment. Once the demographic packet is reviewed, we will then call to schedule the appointment.

How does Alzheimer's affect the patient's family?

Does personal experience impact your approach to care?