Since 1985, the Rush Alzheimers Disease Center (RADC) at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, has provided services to more than 15,000 Alzheimer’s patients and their families through its outpatient clinic, the Rush Memory Clinic.
The RADC is committed to providing comprehensive evaluation and care for people experiencing memory loss and other problems associated with Alzheimers disease. The staff work closely with families to guide them in their decisions about the care of a loved one with dementia, including decisions about care in the home and other living arrangements.
The Rush Memory Clinic outpatient clinic offers a thorough neurological and psychological evaluation for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. The comprehensive evaluation lasts approximately two hours. It consists of:
- A medical review and neurological examination conducted by a physician who specializes in the diagnosis of dementing disorders
- A standardized battery of memory, thinking and language tests
- A conference with a nurse practitioner to facilitate continuity of care for memory difficulties
- Diagnostics tests may be ordered if necessary such as a brain imaging and blood tests
Arrangements may be made within several weeks of the initial appointment to have the tests performed either at Rush or a hospital closer to your home. Test results, diagnosis and recommendations for care may be discussed either in person at Rush, via the telephone or by mailed report. Annual reassessments are suggested to review changing needs and for staff to offer continued guidance. Other visits for more regular follow-up may be indicated but we recommend that everyone seek out their own physician for ongoing health needs.
Referrals
People with memory loss and other cognitive problems often do not recognize the significance of their problems. Therefore, family members usually take the initiative to arrange for an evaluation. Referrals need not come from one’s attending physician, although prior approval is required for persons enrolled in HMOs (health maintenance organizations).
Our physicians are specialists and do not offer primary care, but they do encourage close communication with your private physicians. Our specialists will be happy to share their findings with your physician if requested.
Scheduling an Evaluation
Evaluations for memory disorders are conducted at:
- Rush Memory Clinic
Rush University Medical Center
Armour Academic Center
600 S. Paulina St., Suite 130
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Usually appointments are usually set up three to four weeks in advance. The clinic is open Mondays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for evaluations and follow-up visits. Call (312) 942-3333 to schedule an appointment.
Geriatrics
Nervous System Disorders
Geriatric Services
Alzheimer's Disease Center