Q: What can I expect before, during, and after a visit?

Before the Visit: We will collect vital information about your health, medical history, lifestyle, exposures, and goals. It is very important that these questionnaires and surveys are completed prior to your visit as this will help us provide you with personalized care recommendations that are tailored to your specific needs. During the Visit: During the clinic visit, we will perform a comprehensive physical, cognitive, and neurologic examination. The visit itself does not include any laboratory or imaging tests but based on the results of the clinical assessments, we may recommend additional testing as needed. This thorough evaluation allows us to understand your current health status, identify modifiable risk factors, and explore ways to address them. After the Visit: At the end of the visit, we will review the assessments of your risk and resilience factors with you. Based on this assessment, we will offer personalized recommendations and strategies to reduce or eliminate those risks. Our goal is to help you maintain your health and reduce the risk of developing dementia or related conditions.

Question 1

What can I expect before, during, and after a visit?

Accepted Answer

Before the Visit: We will collect vital information about your health, medical history, lifestyle, exposures, and goals. It is very important that these questionnaires and surveys are completed prior to your visit as this will help us provide you with personalized care recommendations that are tailored to your specific needs.

During the Visit: During the clinic visit, we will perform a comprehensive physical, cognitive, and neurologic examination. The visit itself does not include any laboratory or imaging tests but based on the results of the clinical assessments, we may recommend additional testing as needed. This thorough evaluation allows us to understand your current health status, identify modifiable risk factors, and explore ways to address them.

After the Visit: At the end of the visit, we will review the assessments of your risk and resilience factors with you. Based on this assessment, we will offer personalized recommendations and strategies to reduce or eliminate those risks. Our goal is to help you maintain your health and reduce the risk of developing dementia or related conditions.

Question 2

Can Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias be prevented?

Accepted Answer

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer's disease at this time, certain lifestyle changes and interventions can reduce the risk or delay the onset of symptoms. Our approach is evidence‑based, utilizing the latest research to provide effective strategies for risk reduction. Research shows that by addressing risk factors, up to 45% of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias can be prevented or delayed.

Question 3

What are some things I can do to reduce my risks for developing Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

As each person’s genes, family history, lifestyle and exposures are unique, so too are our risks for developing Alzheimer’s and other age‑related diseases. The most effective interventions to reduce risk for a disease depends on these factors. A visit to the Memory & Healthy Aging Program will be the best way to identify personalized ways to promote brain and physical health.

Question 4

Who should participate in this program?

Accepted Answer

The Memory & Healthy Aging Program currently sees people age 40 years and over who are interested in knowing their personalized risk and resilience factors for Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. In particular, people with a family history of memory disorders and/or who have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes or history of head trauma are eligible to be seen. In the future, we plan to expand these to other age‑related diseases such as heart disease and stroke.

Question 5

Is this a research study? If not, are there opportunities to participate in research?

Accepted Answer

The Memory & Healthy Aging Program is an evidence‑based clinical program focused on dementia risk-reduction in patients at risk for Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Separate from this program, we do offer opportunities to participate in research studies related to dementia, cognitive health, and healthy aging.

Question 6

I am in good general health, have a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Why would I need this program?

Accepted Answer

While a healthy diet and regular exercise are important for general health, many people are unaware of all the known modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s and other age‑related diseases. There are also lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to overall risk. The balance between risk and resilience factors is what determines who will get the disease and who will stay healthy with age. A personalized risk profile from the Memory & Healthy Aging program will help identify opportunities to reduce your risk.

Question 7

I have experienced memory changes over the past 10 years. Do I need to be seen?

Accepted Answer

It is often difficult for an individual to distinguish between normal age‑related changes and signs of early memory loss. If you have noticed memory changes, it is advisable to schedule an appointment to determine the cause and appropriate interventions. Our service focuses on identifying risk factors for developing cognitive and memory issues and providing evidence-based strategies and recommendations to mitigate those risks.

Question 8

Can I bring someone with me during the visit (partner, family member)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are welcome to bring a partner or family member to accompany you to our clinic. However, please note that while they can join you in the waiting room, they may not be able to sit with you while you are being seen by the doctor and clinician. This ensures that we can provide you with the best possible care and maintain patient privacy during the consultation.

Question 9

Is this program virtual or in‑person?

Accepted Answer

The program involves completion of an online questionnaire about your health and lifestyle as well as an in‑person visit for a physical, cognitive and neurological examination. A virtual visit may be possible in certain cases.

Question 10

How many visits are required?

Accepted Answer

The number of visits varies based on the results of individual assessments, the need for further tests, and the personalized care plan developed for each participant. Thus, the number of visits may vary from one to several visits over the course of a year. Our aim is to provide personalized risk profiling and help reduce the risk of developing future dementia.

Question 11

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept a variety of insurance plans. To determine your eligibility and understand what is covered, please contact us directly by email at prevention@cshs.org to learn more. We are committed to working with you to ensure you can participate in our program.

Question 12

Do I need to be a Cedars‑Sinai patient to participate?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to be a current Cedars‑Sinai patient to access our services.

Question 13

How do I know if I'm eligible for this program?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us by email at prevention@cshs.org to learn more.

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