The RUSH Memory Clinic offers comprehensive clinical evaluations for complaints of memory loss or other cognitive and behavioral changes, and recommendations for managing these problems. Our team of expert providers has specialized knowledge of — and extensive experience with — Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Evaluations
Evaluations at the RUSH Memory Clinic are typically two to three hours long. Here’s what you can expect:
- About one hour of testing to evaluate your memory, language and thinking abilities. These tests are sometimes known as neuropsychological tests.
- Providers will review laboratory studies and imaging of the brain (MRI or CT) to evaluate for conditions that can affect memory or thinking. These tests are ordered by the referring physician and are to be completed prior to the evaluation in the Memory Clinic.
- Informant interview: Clinicians discuss your thinking or cognitive changes with a close friend or family member who is asked to accompany you to your evaluation, to better understand the clinical course and extent of the cognitive problems.
- Our experts will then discuss the diagnosis and management recommendations with you and answer questions you may have.
Additional Information
- Referrals are required: You will need a referral from your provider to visit the RUSH Memory Clinic. This allows us to coordinate the required tests before your evaluation and ensure the appropriate provider receives our recommendations for ongoing care.
- We will share your diagnosis and management care plan with the referring provider to ensure you can receive ongoing care from that provider. The Memory Clinic offers consultations but does not provide ongoing dementia-related care.
- Insurance: We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Medicare and Medicaid. All other insurance providers are considered out of network.Please check with your insurance provider to determine if you will need to get approval for coverage before your visit. Pre-approval may be required, especially if you are enrolled in a health maintenance organization or Medicaid replacement plan.
Research and Clinical Trials
- Patients of the RUSH Memory Clinic can enroll in the RUSH Alzheimer's Disease Center Data Repository, which assists our research team to screen you for potential enrollment in current and future research studies, including clinical trials. More information will be provided at the time of your appointment, before you are asked to enroll.
- If you already have a diagnosis and are interested in participating in a research study, please call (312) 942-0050. You do not need to be evaluated in the RUSH Memory Clinic to receive a free screening for potential participation in a study.
New Treatments
The Food and Drug Administration is evaluating new treatments for memory loss and dementia on an ongoing basis, as research discoveries are made. The FDA approved aducanumab (Aduhelm) in 2021 and lecanemab (Leqembi) in 2023 for treatment of mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to confirmed Alzheimer’s disease. Not all patients with Alzheimer’s disease are eligible to receive these treatments, and serious side effects and events can occur with use.
If you are a patient who was already evaluated at the RUSH Memory Clinic and have a question about a new medication for Alzheimer’s disease, please call our clinical team at (312) 942-3333, and we will call you back in the next few business days. If you are not a patient of the Rush Memory Clinic, please first discuss your question with your treating physician, who can refer you to our clinic if needed.
