Locations:
The Center for Brain Health and Neurological Care is launching at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, bringing a new level of innovative neurological care and treatment to the Treasure Coast that has been over a year in the making.
“This has been a big ask from the local community as well as hospital leadership,” says Danita Jones, DO, Interim Chair, Department of Neurology, Florida Market, and Clinic Director.
The idea for the center began when Jones and her fellow caregiver team noticed a trend of older patients being referred by their primary care providers for potential cognitive disorders assessment.
“We created this comprehensive center to facilitate the evaluation, diagnosis and potential treatment for [early-stage] Alzheimer’s disease,” Jones says.
If a referred patient qualifies for treatment, they are enrolled in an integrated treatment program involving Jones, three other neurologists, a nurse practitioner and several collaborating departments. For improved access, one of the neurologists works on a telehealth basis.
Patients receive frequent MRIs through radiology that clear them for an FDA-approved treatment (either lecanemab or donanemab) provided by the infusion team at the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center at Indian River Hospital. “I am very thankful for the support from radiology and oncology. Without collaboration among all the departments, this wouldn’t have worked otherwise,” Jones says.
These two treatments clear away abnormal amyloid beta, a protein that forms plaques in the brain. Removing these plaques for early-stage patients appears to slow cognitive decline, which may help them keep their memory and daily functioning longer. Although this is not a cure, it may be a way to help patients maintain their independence.
“Focusing on the quality of life for these patients has a big impact for both them and their caregivers,” Jones says.
This quality of life extends beyond treatment, which is why the Center for Brain Health and Neurological Care also aims to provide community resources, even for patients who are referred and do not end up having Alzheimer’s disease.
Through a collaboration with the Center for Memory & Movement (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Association), patients and their caregivers also have access to a wide variety of additional offerings, including educational materials and day programs.
“It needs to be all-inclusive care of the patient, because the anti-amyloid therapies are only a small portion of that,” Jones says.
Looking to the future, Jones and her team are hopeful that the center will be able to expand further and offer evaluation and treatment for movement disorders as well, such as Parkinson’s disease.
As the demand for specialized neurological care in our community continues to grow, philanthropy plays a vital role in expanding the Center for Brain Health and Neurological Care. Your support accelerates physician recruitment, advances innovative programs and invests in the technology and facilities needed to meet the evolving needs of our patients.
To make a gift to the Center for Brain Health and Neurological Care at Indian River Hospital, visit: https://give.ccf.org/give/407101#!/donation/checkout
Search