To request a memory evaluation please complete the
Memory Evaluation Online Application ›

What to Expect

The University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), conducts an extensive diagnostic evaluation of individuals with suspected Alzheimer’s disease and other types of memory loss and/or cognitive impairment. The professionals at the ADRC understand that this is a stressful process for all and assure that individuals will be treated with sensitivity and respect. The comprehensive outpatient evaluation usually takes about 4 hours to complete and includes medical, neurological, psychiatric, social and cognitive assessments. Informant input is sought in every case therefore individuals seeking an evaluation must be accompanied by an informant or caregiver (called a “study partner”) who can answer detailed questions about their memory, thinking skills and behavior. Blood will be drawn for research purposes. We will arrange for you to get an MRI scan at no cost to you as part of your evaluation. Please bring any previous head imaging (CT, MRI, PET, or SPECT) to your appointment.

Following the evaluation a consensus conference is held to review the case. At this time the diagnosis is determined and treatment options are discussed. Eligibility for clinical trials (e.g. medication trials) or participation in other types of research studies (e.g. imaging trials, observational studies) is also considered. Following the conference, the patient and family are asked to return to the ADRC to discuss the findings, treatment options and potential to participate in additional research. Education and counseling are provided. With patient approval, a written report is sent to the Primary Care Physician and/or referring physician. The patient is asked to return annually for follow up visits to monitor cognitive and functional status, for continued education and support and to determine eligibility for additional research trials. There is no cost for the evaluation. Participants will receive a $200.00 cash card and study partners will receive a $100.00 cash card for participating in the initial study visit and a $25 pre-paid gift card each for participating in annual visits.

To request a memory evaluation please complete the
Memory Evaluation Online Application ›

We will be in touch with you by telephone once we have reviewed the completed application.

If you have further questions regarding participating in research, or the application, please contact the ADRC at 412-692-2700.

To request a memory evaluation please complete the Memory Evaluation Online Application »

 

We will be in touch with you by telephone once we have reviewed the completed application.

If you have further questions regarding participating in research, or the application, please contact the ADRC at 412-692-2700