Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of frequently asked questions. Please submit any question you might have below.

General Questions

Can Alzheimer’s be prevented?

Currently, research estimates that up to 40% of Alzheimer’s disease cases could have been prevented with lifestyle modification. There is currently no way to 100% prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but we know a lot about modifiable risks that can reduce the odds of developing the disease in up to 40% of individuals, or delay onset of symptoms.

How do I make an appointment?

To be a patient at our clinic, you must create an account in our online portal and complete some basic health-related paperwork online. After you have completed your paperwork, you will get a call from our clinic to schedule an appointment. Please complete the full online survey at least 2 weeks before your first appointment.

How do I get more information?

If you are not sure if this clinic is right for you, please read our information section on this website. You can also email us at [email protected] for more information.

Do I have to participate in research?

Our clinic seeks to improve clinical processes for Alzheimer’s prevention. We ask all participants to allow us to use your de-identified clinical data (that is, scores and ratings with no name or identifying information attached) to help us assess quality of our services and improve them in the future.

We will also periodically offer other types of research that is designed to help us understand why Alzheimer’s is different in women than it is in men, and what we can do about that. These opportunities will be available on our website, and you can also sign up for our email list to receive notices of new studies.

How do I sign up for email notifications?

Our clinic seeks to improve the clinical practice of Alzheimer’s prevention. We will ask for your opinions on the quality of our services to continually improve them.

In addition, we also offer research opportunities specific to clinic patients. These opportunities will be available on our website, and you can also sign up for our email list to receive notices of new studies. The Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health also offers research opportunities that may be of interest, and you can find out more about those here: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations/nevada/research-innovations 

What if I have had memory changes or have been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia?

Our clinic is designed for women who have no problems with their memory currently. If you have had memory changes or have a diagnosis of a memory disorder, we have a team of neurologists who you could see in our Center for Brain Health. If you are not living in Las Vegas, we have created a list of neurologists in other cities who assess and treat memory disorders https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/neurological/staff.

How much do services cost?

A visit to the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention Center is a billable medical appointment. A woman’s out-of-pocket costs will be determined by her insurance plan’s guidelines. A Cleveland Clinic financial counselor is available to guide women through a conversation with their insurance providers.

Why are Black and Hispanic women at greater risk?

Researchers are still working on this question. One part of the answer that has been studied is that Black and Hispanic women are more likely to face discrimination and systematic disadvantages that can increase risks for Alzheimer’s in several ways. For example, by increasing chronic stress, and by reducing access to things we know support health, such as medical care, educational attainment, and healthy foods.

Can I bring a family member or friend to my appointment?

You will have two in-person visits at our clinic, each two hours long.

Your first visit will involve cognitive testing, and for this portion of your time with us, NO additional family or friends are allowed in the testing room with you. If someone accompanies you, they would need to wait in our event center or offsite at their preference. Please note that minors are not permitted, so children under 18 should not accompany you to any visit.

At your visits with our neuropsychologist and medical provider, you will learn about your results and recommendations. You are welcome to bring one family member or friend over age 18 along to this visit.

Why do I have to provide my insurance information?

In addition to the Financial Responsibility terms that you have already received in Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health – Las Vegas’s Patient Acknowledgment and Consent Document, you will be financially responsible for the services related to the blood draw, laboratory assessment, and the primary care wellness visit. You are advised to contact your insurance carrier in advance to determine benefits and coverage. Otherwise, these services may be an out-of-pocket expense for you. Certain services provided by The Women’s Alzheimer’s Prevention Center will be paid for by philanthropic contributions, including your cognitive and physical testing, visit with a neuropsychologist, virtual visits, online resources, and support for scheduling and patient questions. Please contact a Cleveland Clinic Patient Financial Advocate at 216.442.1600 with any questions or for additional information regarding your financial responsibility for the services provided by The Women’s Alzheimer’s Prevention Center.

Are lab draws mandatory for patients of this clinic?

Lab draws are mandatory in order for the Women’s Alzheimer’s Prevention Center to provide full, comprehensive feedback and recommendations.

Why is the clinic for women age 30-60?

Our clinic is designed for women at midlife, a time when we know that Alzheimer’s disease processes can begin in the brain, and also when risks like diabetes and depression might be especially important to address. Of course, brain healthy lifestyle is important at any age, and we encourage women who are not 30-60 to look at our resources page: www.womenpreventalz.org/resources. We hope to have some additional clinical options for women over 60 soon!

Why do women have to have a family history of Alzheimer’s or a known genetic risk?

Our clinic is designed for Alzheimer’s disease prevention and risk reduction. Although many of our recommendations can be applied for brain health generally, each woman’s specific plan is designed for Alzheimer’s prevention and not prevention of other conditions or for general healthy aging.

How will the Women’s Alzheimer’s Prevention Center communicate with me throughout my prevention journey?

Email is our primary mode of communication; it is also the quickest way to get in touch with us. Please keep an eye on your email for any updates or additional questionnaires we may send to you. Please reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions.

Have a Different Question?

Email us anytime

Alzheimer’s Prevention for Women is Our Mission

We help women reduce their risks for Alzheimer’s disease