Alzheimer's Disease & Memory Disorders Program

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Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic

A New Approach to Alzheimer's Disease Management

Alzheimer's disease doesn't just affect the patient; it affects the entire family. The Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic (APC) at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian was founded in 2013 by Dr. Richard Isaacson, who has several family members affected.

The clinic focuses on cutting-edge prevention strategies & comprehensive education for the whole family. To schedule a visit call (212) 746-0226 or email pai2004@med.cornell.edu.

Clinic Overview

People interested in lowering their Alzheimer's risk are followed over time and receive a personalized plan based on many elements, such as risk factors, genes, medical conditions, and the latest scientific research. Patients are cared for using a sophisticated and interactive state-of-the-art research tool and database. This approach allows for ongoing monitoring and development of personalized therapeutic options aimed at reducing risk and providing optimal care. To schedule a visit, call (212) 746-0226.

Our Philosophy

Alzheimer's disease (AD) starts in the brain 20 to 30 years before the onset of symptoms, giving physicians ample time to intervene in an individualized fashion for those at risk. There is no "magic pill" or "magic cure" for AD treatment or prevention; however, combining a variety of strategies based on strong science and safety may yield the best chance for benefit.

Our approach is based on a collaborative care model for Alzheimer's disease, while being firmly grounded in the latest scientific evidence-based therapies. This integrated approach to care aims to provide the most comprehensive therapies for patients with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's, "preclinical" Alzheimer's, and patients who are at risk for the disease.

Personalized Medicine and Personalized Nutrition

We use the latest scientific evidence and consider a variety of factors — such as current and past medical problems, genetics, and nutritional patterns — to tailor therapies for each patient. These principles (also referred to as "pharmacogenomics" and "nutrigenomics") form the core of our APC approach. We emphasize lifestyle and nutritional approaches and collect data to help further the scientific study of the effects of dietary modifications on brain health.

Requirements for APC Participation

All patients who would like a consultation for Alzheimer's prevention and/or enrollment in the APC Brain Healthy Lifestyle Program should be under the care of a primary care physician and follow up with the APC at least every 6-12 months. Patients must send copies of all recent physician office notes and laboratory and radiology results — including brain imaging results (such as MRI or CT scans, if available) — and have actual radiology images on a CD-ROM mailed to the clinic at least 4 weeks before the appointment. Most insurance plans are accepted.

Visit Length

Patients who visit the APC will receive at least one hour of direct contact with the treating clinical team (Neurologist and/or Nurse Practitioner). Combined family education on Alzheimer's prevention may be provided, as well as individualized education and counseling. Please note: spouses, partners, and caregivers are welcome, but only those registered as patients will receive personalized medical advice.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call (212) 746-0226.

View our directions and parking information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I complete my forms?

Prior to your visit, please complete your forms using the eCheck-In service though your patient portal, Weill Cornell Connect. If you do not have a Connect account, please contact your provider and they can help you set one up.

If you continue to have trouble access forms through Connect, speak with our practice staff who can help you fill them out over the phone prior to your appointment, or send an encrypted email.

It is ideal that you use our remote check-in and check-out services to keep yourself and our staff safe, but we understand that technology doesn’t always cooperate so we will do our best to help you complete your forms prior to coming into the practice. As a last resort, we can help you with the forms when you arrive.

Is my doctor available for appointments?

Yes — our care has continued for all of our patients. Some practices have been seeing patients virtually using Video Visits, so please call to find out the best method of care for your needs. 

I’ve put routine care on hold because of COVID-19 — what’s my next step?

Call your provider’s office directly or reach out to our call center at (646) 962-2000. Let’s keep you on track with your treatment plans, laboratory tests, exams, and vaccine schedule.

It is particularly important that you reach out to us if you have a chronic condition that you are managing. We want you to schedule a Video Visit to stay in touch with us especially if you have noticed any changes to your health.

I’m hearing about WCM’s digital health services. What does this mean for future office visits?

We have a variety of digital health services and virtual care options — such as Video Visits — which is a great way for you to stay in touch with your provider and manage your care remotely. Digital health services means that you’re going to spend less time with us — in a good way.

Video Visits continue to be incredibly helpful in keeping people from coming to us in-person unnecessarily. If you wish to save yourself the commute, you can always contact your provider and ask if a Video Visit is right for you.

We also have our patient portal, Weill Cornell Connect, which provides:

  • Online bill pay
  • Prescription refill
  • Messaging your provider
  • Access to your medical records
  • And so much more …

All of these digital tools are available with Weill Cornell Connect.

Though we’re using some online tools to stay connected with you, they do not replace in-person care, so always reach out to us and we can recommend the type of visit that is best.

Are you working on activating your online scheduling functionality?

Yes. Soon we’ll be re-launching our online appointments scheduling features, but for now, we have decided to temporarily pause those services. Please contact our referral center or call your provider to schedule your next appointment.

What will happen when I go to an in-person appointment?

You’ll experience our commitment to your safety when you use our remote digital system to check in and out of appointments, receive a mask to wear when you arrive, and use hand sanitizer when you leave.

We’re also helping you avoid waiting rooms, and, of course, are taking impeccable care to sanitize all exam rooms and common areas.

What if I need to make multiple appointments, can I make them in the same day?

We are offering coordinated scheduling. That’s where our Referral Center is going to help. No one wants you to have to commute to us multiple times.

Please call us at (646) 962-2000 and we can help you schedule and organize your appointments across all specialties (including primary care) and several languages. The Referral Center will help you schedule and register for your appointment, verify/update your insurance information, let you know which location to visit, and tell you what to bring to your appointment.

What about imaging and laboratory tests?

Our Referral Center can help you with that, too. We’re only seeing scheduled patients (no walk-ins) for lab tests and imaging, but will do our best to get you a same-day appointment.

What about surgeries — both elective and emergency?

We’ve continued conducting medically necessary and emergency procedures — and added a COVID-19 test to our pre-operative lab routine. We take every precaution to ensure our operating rooms minimize the risk of infection and disease transmission — our operating room staff also has been tested for COVID-19.

If you’ve had to postpone an elective surgery, please call your physician's office to reschedule.

Can I bring a caretaker or someone to help me after my procedure?

Yes — our updated visitor policies are restricted, however if your caretaker is medically necessary, we will be sure to make accommodations as needed, just let us know upon entering our practice and be sure to speak with us about it when scheduling your appointment.