Geriatrics

Center for Memory Disorders and Conditions of Older Adults

At the Center for Memory Disorders and Conditions of Older Adults, physicians work with Tufts Medical Center geriatric specialists to identify and treat patients at the earliest stages of Alzheimer's Disease.

Our practitioners use specific and sensitive evaluation tools to provide early and accurate diagnoses and treatment, which can prolong independence for many patients.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disease characterized by loss of memory and other cognitive abilities.

Our staff members work closely with both patients and their family members to watch for the subtle changes that occur in early AD. These early signs may include:

  • Memory loss
  • Mood swings
  • Language difficulties
  • Difficulty performing familiar tasks
  • Changes in personality
  • Diminished judgment

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease

Our patients receive a full comprehensive geriatric assessment looking at physical, functional, financial and social issues.

Patients also undergo a series of cognitive tests, designed to identify mild cognitive impairment, a syndrome that converts to AD at a rate of appx. 15% each year. Tests include the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, other dementia rating scales, various depression scales and a functional activities questionnaire used to determine the impact that any changes may have had on a patient.

We also search for the rare "reversible causes" of dementia. If potential causes such as B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism and normal pressure hydrocephalus are treated early, cognitive deficits may be restored.

Treatment

Once a diagnosis is determined, the team meets with the patient and family members to determine the best treatment plan. This program may include medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and/or memantine.

Richard M. Dupee, MD, FACP, AGSF

Richard M. Dupee, MD, FACP, AGSF

Accepting New Patients

Virtual Appointments Available

Title(s): Chief, Geriatrics Service; Primary Care Physician; Associate Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine
Department(s): Medicine, Internal Medicine and Adult Primary Care, Geriatrics
Appt. Phone: 617-636-2800
Fax #: 617-636-3080

Geriatrics, disease management, Medicare risk contracts, complementary medicine, adult primary care
* Dr. Dupee only sees patients through the Pratt Diagnostic Center

View Full Profile for Richard M. Dupee, MD, FACP, AGSF

Wei Wang, MD

Wei Wang, MD

Virtual Appointments Available

Online Scheduling Available

Title(s): Geriatrician; Primary Care Physician; Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine
Department(s): Medicine, Internal Medicine and Adult Primary Care, Geriatrics
Appt. Phone: 617-636-5400
Fax #: 617-636-1384

Geriatrics, adult primary care

View Full Profile for Wei Wang, MD

To make an appointment with the Center for Memory Disorders and Conditions of Older Adults, please call 617-636-5400.

Tufts Medical Center

800 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02111