"If we catch Alzheimer's early enough, we can delay the progression of the disease," says Shekar Chakravarthi, MD, medical director of Senior Services at Hunterdon Medical Center.

Enhancing the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients and their families is one of the most important and satisfying goals of the HMC Senior Services program. The program offers numerous resources to diagnose and care for older adults, including but not limited to those with Alzheimer's and dementia.

The upcoming 2006 opening of a regional memory center will be a significant expansion to an already comprehensive range of services. The memory center will be an important diagnostic tool for those aged 40 and older with all forms of dementia and cognitive impairments.

"Our practice allows us to meet the needs of seniors who have multiple medical problems, such as those of the heart and bone," notes Dr. Chakravarthi. "We comprehensively assess the patient and then we are able to help coordinate medications and other needs. We initially spend two to two-and-a-half hours on each patient and the family."

In addition to assessing the patients' needs, HMC puts a strong focus on the caregivers and their needs. "The caregiver support group is very good because primary caregivers learn what to expect and how to cope with it. The program educates patients' caregivers about the resources that will help them handle medical decisions," he says.

For more information, please call 908-788-6568.