Patient Education and Support

Patient Education and Support

The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine takes a multidisciplinary approach to our research. As part of the ongoing relationship we have with our patients, research participants, and their families, we offer programs to support, educate and engage them throughout the year. Support offerings include:

Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Licensed clinical social workers, available by appointment to patients and their families at the Neurobehavior and Memory Clinic, assist through information, support, and access to resources. Clinical social workers can help you answer important questions relating to quality of life, including:

• Do I understand the diagnosis?
• Do I know some of the possible behaviors associated with the diagnosis?
• How will I cope with this now and as it progresses?
• Do I need to begin planning for the future? Do I know what is involved in this kind of planning?
• What services are available at Northwestern or in my own neighborhood?
• Do I feel I have enough emotional support right now?

Educational Programs

A new diagnosis brings new questions and concerns. To meet patient educational needs, Northwestern offers the Support and Education in Early Dementia (SEED) program to newly diagnosed patients and their care partners. SEED provides education around important aspects of diagnoses; educates about community, legal and therapeutic resources; and provides support and connection to participants.

The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease also seeks opportunities to share our knowledge and research findings with the community. Our annual Alzheimer Day and an FTD/PPA conference offered in conjunction with the Association for Frontotemporal Dementia are designed to uplift, support, and educate those living with Alzheimer’s, FTD, PPA and related dementias.

Life Enrichment Programs

Northwestern University offers many programs that enhance patient quality of life. Examples of Northwestern’s life enrichment programs include the Buddy Program™, which pairs medical students with mentors living with Alzheimer’s disease or related illnesses to help students build relationships outside of a clinical setting, and the Memory Ensemble™, which uses improvisational theater to improve participants quality of life and to explore non-pharmacological interventions.

Through these programs, we are able to better understand the progression of the diseases and conditions we study, as well as to better position our participants to get the clinical help they require when it’s needed.

We invite you to explore and take advantage of our programs for education, engagement, community and support.