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LONG BRANCH, NJ, November 4, 2009 —Providing education and treatment to positively impact and improve the overall quality of life for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is the goal of Monmouth Medical Center’s Memory Institute.
For more than two decades, Monmouth Medical Center's geriatric program has been a recognized leader in the development of unique health care services for seniors. Today, the Greenwall Geriatric Health Center coordinates health and social services, including the Memory Institute, for the elderly and their families in a community-teaching-hospital environment.
“Dementia is a chronic illness that is not only a problem for patients and their families, but is a concern for the entire community,” says Priya Angi, M.D., a specialist in geriatrics and internal medicine at Monmouth Medical Center. “The Memory Institute provides comprehensive evaluations of patients who exhibit signs or symptoms of dementia.”
The Geriatric Health Center’s Memory Institute features a multidisciplinary team comprising two fellowship-trained geriatricians, a registered nurse and social worker, as well as consultative services with a neurologist and psychiatrist when appropriate.
The institute specializes in screening, diagnosis, treatment and support for patients through the use of professional resources, cutting-edge therapies and caregiver assistance.
“Through careful analysis, this team of medical specialists uncovers the underlying condition of the disorder and recommends appropriate treatment,” says Dr. Angi, who adds that care is coordinated with each patient’s primary care physician in order to maintain optimal continuity of care.
During the initial visit to the Memory Institute, a registered nurse evaluates the patient through a series of objective assessments, and a social worker meets with the patient and family to gather additional information and explore concerns. The physician specialist then examines the patient and performs a comprehensive medical evaluation. “We then discuss and explain with both the family and patient the plan of care, including arrangement for a follow-up visit, and arrangements for appropriate blood work and radiological studies can be arranged at Monmouth Medical Center,” says Dr. Angi, who notes that the institute also offers a monthly educational support group for families and caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.
Monmouth Medical Center’s Geriatric Health center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and there is on-call coverage at nights and on weekends.
DATE: November 4, 2009
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