Allina Health explores new care for Alzheimer's patients

[KARE 11, March 14, 2019] A recent study shows a startling disconnect between seniors and primary care doctors when it comes to memory issues. And already, leaders at one local health care system, Allina Health, say they’re launching a new care model to deal with the problem.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2019 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report, only 1 in 7 seniors (16%) say they receive regular assessments for memory or thinking issues.

“There’s a disconnect between seniors and their primary care providers when it comes to cognitive assessments and having conversations about cognitive decline or memory issues,” said Ellie Hallen, the Neuroscience Program operations manager at Allina Health.

Hallen said that’s why Allina Health has created a new care model to deal with the problem. The health care system launched a pilot of the program at three clinics one year ago; they plan to roll out the program at the system’s remaining clinics within the next couple years.