The San Francisco Alzheimer's and Dementia Clinic is one of the few clinical institutions in the United States devoted to the investigation, diagnosis, treatment and management of Alzheimer's Disease. The San Francisco Alzheimer's and Dementia Clinic is directed by Jerome Goldstein, M.D., a Board-certified medical neurologist and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Goldstein has a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease, and the establishment of this clinic is to further this purpose.        

Have you noticed a loved one or a family member exhibit several of the following symptoms . .

• Memory loss that affects job skills?
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks?
• Language problems such as forgetting simple words, speaking in incomprehensible sentences or substituting inappropriate words?
• Disorientation in time and place?
• Poor or impaired judgement?
• Problems with abstract thinking?
• Misplacing things?
• Mood changes or behavior changes?
• Changes in personality        
• Loss of initiative?

ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S

Degenerative and progressive, this disease involves the brain, resulting in loss of memory and cognitive function. It is the most common dementia, 90% of which are late in onset. This disease typically occurs after 65 years of age ans affects 4 million adults. It can also affect people in their 40's and 50's. Alzheimer's Disease is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. From onset until death, the disease lasts from 3 - 18 years with 8 years being the average. The financial cost for diagnosis, treatment, paid home care and nursing home care is estimated at more than $100 billion per year. Of this total, the Federal Government pays $4.4 billion, individual states pay $4.1 billion and the remaining cost is paid by patients and families.

THE SAN FRANCISCO ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA CLINIC

The San Francisco Alzheimer's and Dementia Clinic is conveniently located across the street from St. Francis Memorial Hospital, and all necessary laboratory and X-ray testing can be obtained at the hospital on an outpatient basis. Treatment is usually initiated at the time of the first visit. Follow-up visits at appropriate regular intervals will be encouraged. The frequency of such visits depends on each individual patient's condition.

APPROACH AND PHILOSOPHY

The goal of the staff of The San Francisco Alzheimer's and Dementia Clinic is to provide a compassionate, caring and state-of-the-art medical approach to Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. This philosophy and approach includes blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, including a newly discovered marker for both Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of Dementia. In addition, the Clinic will provide continuing care to the Alzheimer's and Dementia patient on a regular basis. The clinic will also make available, as possible, all on-going studies and investigational medications in the field of Alzheimer's Disease. The Clinic will keep abreast of all advances in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Dementia, and will make changes in its philosophy and care to reflect continued research and advances.

LOCATION

The San Francisco Alzheimer's and Dementia Clinic is located at 909 Hyde Street in San Francisco. The Clinic is approximately six blocks from Union Square, and convenient to all major transportation routes, hotels, and the downtown area of San Francisco.

PATIENTS

The San Francisco Alzheimer's and Dementia Clinic will accept patients referred from other physicians, and direct referrals are possible. Referral from a physician is preferred. A comprehensive medical evaluation is anticipated for every patient who enters The San Francisco Alzheimer's and Dementia Clinic. The staff at the Clinic is fluent in both English and Spanish.

VISITS

The initial evaluation at the Clinic includes a detailed medical history and a complete medical examination, as well as a complete neurological examination. Previous records, X-rays, laboratory tests, diagnoses, and treatment will be reviewed with the patient, and any additional testing which may be necessary will be ordered at the time of the initial visit.

OTHER SERVICES

• Interface with local Alzheimer's support groups
• Interface with social services at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital to provide resources, referrals and information.

PHONE CALLS

Patients of The San Francisco Alzheimer's and Dementia Clinic are encouraged to report any and all side effects of medications, as well as other problems related to Alzheimer's Disease. Calls should be made between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Calls will be returned the same day whenever possible. A 24-hour answering service is available at the Clinic, and after office hours and on weekends only emergency calls will be taken.

MEDICATION REFILLS

Refills for medications can be requested by the patient's pharmacy during office hours. No refill requests will be honored after office hours or on weekends.

All medication taken by clinic patients must be reported at the time of the first visit. Analgesics and narcotics ordered by other physicians must be promptly reported to the Clinic. Failure to report any and all medications being used by the patient and those prescribed by other physicians will necessitate the termination of the patient's relationship with the Clinic.

No narcotics are stored at the Clinic. No injectable medications are administered. Narcotic prescriptions are issued only in the most emergent of situations, and are never administered by the Clinic on a chronic basis.

FEE SCHEDULE

Information regarding fee schedule, financial and insurance arrangements can be obtained by calling The San Francisco Headache Clinic. We are not a participating provider with any insurance companies except for Medicare. The fees are the responsibility of each individual patient and paid at the time of each visit. Please check with your individual plan regarding coverage.

RESEARCH

Ongoing research programs are in effect at The San Francisco Alzheimer's and Dementia Clinic. Patients willing to voluntarily participate in such programs will he encouraged to do so, and an appropriate consent form will be available to the patient, should any therapy or treatment be considered on a research protocol. No experimental or research-type medication will he prescribed unless the patient is fully informed and has signed the above-mentioned consent form.