To access the Cognitive Disorders and Dementia Center of the Department of Human Neurosciences, patients must contact their General Practitioners or Specialists, or inquire through Family Associations of individuals affected by cognitive disorders and dementias, by booking a neurological specialist visit through a dedicated phone line (n. 06 4991 4604/4732).
The Cognitive Disorders and Dementia Center is located within the Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health at AOU Policlinico Umberto I, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, RM.
SERVICE DESCRIPTION
During the diagnostic phase, patients undergo a neurological examination, neuropsychological assessments, and blood and instrumental tests.
At the end of the diagnostic process, in the presence of subjective cognitive complaints, a follow-up program is scheduled to monitor cognitive functioning over time. In the case of a clinical diagnosis, second-level tests—such as functional neuroimaging and biomarker analysis through lumbar puncture—are prescribed.
Depending on the diagnosis and stage of the disease, different types of treatments may be proposed:
- Conventional pharmacological treatment
- Experimental pharmacological treatment
- Non-pharmacological treatments
Patients, after being fully informed, may take part in non-profit research protocols carried out within the Department. Participation is voluntary and requires informed consent.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT SERVICES
These are provided at the Alzheimer Roma Association Center (https://www.alzheimeroma.it/). Within this collaboration, the following services are available:
- Caregiver Support Service: consultation to help caregivers find qualified home care assistants.
- Legal Support: legal advice from professionals specialized in the rights of Alzheimer’s patients and the legal frameworks provided by current regulations.
- NESA Project (Alzheimer Social Emergency Unit): program offering temporary support to families facing psychological and/or social emergencies.
- “La Cima dell’Ancora” Project: experimental therapeutic program aimed at the rehabilitation of individuals with early-onset dementia.
- GROUP Project: initiative designed to share information and experiences to improve caregivers’ ability to support those affected.
- “Il Faro” Project: initiative to create an increasingly extensive network of local information and support points for those in need.
In collaboration with AlanOnlus (http://www.alanonlus.it/), thematic courses are also organized—such as “The Rome of Augustus”, dedicated to individuals with mild cognitive impairment.