Hunterdon Healthcare System proudly announces the introduction of the Hunterdon Center for Healthy Aging. Programs and activities that were previously under the auspices of “Senior Services” are now part of the Hunterdon Center for Healthy Aging.

HMC administration has renamed the department with the intent of reaching out to all members of the community who want to take control of their health as they grow older. The focus is on preventive and supportive care.

The Hunterdon Center for Healthy Aging provides consultations for inpatients and sub-acute patients, support for residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, community education, a geriatric assessment program and clinical research.

Memory center is now open
Adults experiencing memory loss who are concerned about identifying its cause, can seek help at the new Central Jersey Regional Memory Center at Hunterdon Medical Center (HMC).

The Memory Center, part of the Hunterdon Center for Healthy Aging, will provide assessment, treatment, education and support to anyone with memory-related problems.

“Although memory loss is more common in the elderly, it is not necessarily a consequence of aging. It may occur in relatively younger people. Intervening earlier in the disease process may delay the progression of the disease and provide an opportunity to educate the person and their loved ones,” notes Shekar Chakravarthi, MD, Medical Director of the Hunterdon Center for Healthy Aging.

“Our hope is that we can reach people earlier in cognitive decline,” says Linda Bryant, Director of the Hunterdon Center for Healthy Aging. The center’s staff includes four board-certified geriatricians, a clinical research and memory coordinator, a social worker and registered nurse. Self-referrals or referrals from healthcare providers, employers, community organizations or family members will be accepted.

The Memory Center will also work with the department’s clinical research program to enroll eligible participants in memory-related studies. Two clinical research studies for Alzheimer’s disease are currently in progress within the Hunterdon Center for Healthy Aging.