For New Patients

The Ayer Neuroscience Institute Memory Care Center sees adults– usually older adults who have been referred by a primary care medical professional because they are concerned about or have begun to experience changes in their thinking, the way they behave, or their ability to take care of themselves.

We understand that these cognitive changes can cause anxiety for both the patient and their family members. The experts at the Memory Care Center will do everything to help guide you through this process, and while a diagnosis is not always definitive, we will offer the best care and advice to help provide the best quality of life.

For most people, the process of determining a diagnosis will require up to three visits. Sometimes, it is not possible to reach a definitive diagnosis. 

Before Your First Visit

It’s important to establish a care partner for your journey who will accompany you to every visit. Your care partner can help you with emotional support and can help you make good choices. Your care partner can also help you gather and understand information about your care.

To help ensure you receive the highest quality of care, we ask that you complete a New Patient Questionnaire in advance. This is how we will begin to get to know you before you even arrive. There will be questions about medical and social history as well as medications. This is a good spot to tell us about yourself. The information you provide will be valuable for your doctor’s review prior to your visit. The questionnaire can be completed either online using the link above or in hard copy, which can be mailed to you.

Please return the completed questionnaire within 2 weeks after scheduling your appointment.

The easiest and most efficient way to return the questionnaire is electronically. However, if you prefer, you may submit a hard copy by one of the following methods:

Thank you for your cooperation. Completing this form ahead of time will help streamline your visit and ensure your doctor has all the necessary information to provide the best care.

close

On the day of your visit

To ensure a smooth and timely visit, please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This will allow time for check-in at the front desk and for you to begin your appointment with the clinical staff.

Please remember to bring the following:

  • Insurance Card(s): We will make a copy of your insurance card(s) and return them to you.
  • Identification: A valid form of ID such as a driver’s license, non-driver ID, or passport.
  • Eyeglasses and/or Hearing Assistive Devices: Please bring any devices you use to aid your vision or hearing. If needed, we also have "pocket talkers" available to help with hearing during your visit—simply let the front desk staff know if you would like to use one.
  • Medication List: Please bring an updated list of all medications you are currently taking, including both prescription medications and any over-the-counter pills or supplements.

Additional Forms to Complete:

In addition to the main questionnaire, on the day of your visit, you will be asked to complete a few more forms:

  • Patient Scales: These forms will ask about your activities and your mood. Your responses will help us better understand your current health and well-being.
  • Care Partner Scales: If you have a care partner, we will ask them to fill out forms regarding your activities. Their insights will provide us with a more comprehensive view of your daily life and care needs.

Thank you for taking the time to gather these items. We look forward to seeing you at your appointment.

close

The First Visit: Preliminary Examination (90 minutes)

  • Your physician will gather information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
  • A mental and physical exam will be conducted to assess general health and cognitive function.

Second Visit: Thinking Tests (Variable duration)

  • Tests assessing attention, memory, language, and other cognitive functions will be administered to better understand your thinking abilities.

Outside Tests: Blood Tests and Imaging (Between visits)

  • You may be asked to complete lab tests and brain imaging, such as an MRI, or provide results from tests you have already completed. Neuroimaging, blood work and other tests are important for helping the provider understand the potential causes of any cognitive changes you might be experiencing. They provide valuable information that assists in diagnosing the condition, ruling out other possible causes, and determining the best course of action for treatment.

Third Visit: Diagnosis (Around 1 hour)

  • Your provider will explain the results of all tests and examinations, provide a diagnosis, and discuss treatment options.
  • You will have the opportunity to discuss available interventions both non-pharmacological (non-pharm) and pharmacological (pharm). You will be given all the information you need to make an informed decision and choose the intervention options that you feel most comfortable with based on your personal preferences and health goals.

The entire diagnostic process may take between one to six months, depending on the complexity and the specific circumstances of your case.

About Us

We diagnose neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and help people understand and adapt to thinking changes.

Learn More

Our Team

The Memory Care Center’s team is comprised of specialists that include medical professionals from neurology, geriatric psychiatry, clinical social work and neuropsychology.

Learn More

Memory Care Center

  • Location

    Address:
    1260 Silas Deane Highway
    Suite 101
    Wethersfield, CT 06109
    Get Directions >>

  • Contact Us

    Phone: 860.545.7550
    Fax: 860.545.7180

  • Hours

    Monday – Friday
    8:00 AM – 4:30 PM