MACC Follow-up/Continuity Care

MACC Follow-up / Continuity Care

After patients complete their initial assessments and diagnostic follow-up visit with the neurologist, they typically receive follow-up care from our multidisciplinary clinical team. Our team includes neuropsychologists, nurses, speech therapists, and social workers who specialize in the long-term care of patients with neurodegenerative diseases and their families. We take a patient and family-centered approach to providing compassionate and comprehensive care and tailor treatment to the individual needs of each patient and their family.

Follow-up Care Often Includes:

Symptomatic management of cognitive and behavioral symptoms: In addition to changes in memory and thinking, changes in mood, behavior, and personality are commonly seen in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. When appropriate, we offer the ability to help manage these symptoms with medication. We also place high value on the use of behavioral and environmental strategies aimed at minimizing distressing symptoms and improving the overall quality of life of patients and their care partners.

Brief assessment of cognitive/memory changes: For many patients, repeating comprehensive neuropsychological assessments becomes too taxing and yields little clinical information. During MACC follow-up care appointments, we often conduct brief, focused evaluations of thinking and memory. This allows us to assess for changes over time, get a “snap shot” of where patients are in their disease, and work with patients and families to update our recommendations and treatment plan as needed.

Speech evaluations & therapy: Many patients with neurological disorders experience changes in speech and language. These changes can cause significant difficulty and frustration. When indicated, our speech therapists have the ability to conduct formal evaluations and provide patient-specific recommendations for therapy services.

Social work services: Patients and families are often faced with emotional struggles, difficulties obtaining resources, and uncertainty about the logistical, legal, and financial aspects of future care planning. Our social worker is skilled in therapeutic counseling and has expertise in memory care and long-term care planning. She provides support, education, and community resources to patients and families.