For Medical Professionals

At the Ayer Neuroscience Institute Memory Care Center we welcome referrals from medical professionals so that we may work together to properly diagnose and treat patients with neurodegenerative conditions.

The Memory Care Center focuses primarily on the diagnosis and continuing care for older adults with cognitive and memory problems. We also see younger individuals with cognitive complaints, but these visits will be on a consultation basis only. All referrals are reviewed before patients are accepted for scheduling.

In all cases, a referral from a primary care medical professional is required.

Referral Processs

Amyloid Therapy Program

Anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody therapy for patients with Alzheimer’s disease

Learn more

Research & Clinical Trials

Information on Memory Care Center research and upcoming trials

Research

Appointments at the Memory Care Center require that the patient:

  • Have a referral from a primary care practitioner
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Be free of an active workers’ compensation claim related to cognitive performance
  • Reside in the community (a non-long-term care facility)

Referrals

Please ensure that patients and their care partners are informed about the referral to the Memory Care Center and that they agree to attend the visits with us.

We kindly request that cognitive or psychiatric medications not be initiated prior to the referral. Starting such medications can complicate our evaluation process.

We kindly request that you provide a few sentences outlining the nature of the memory issue or other cognitive concern that led to this referral to our Memory Care Center.

Internal Hartford HealthCare Referrals (Within Hartford HealthCare Entities)

  1. Search for Referral in Epic:
    • In the “New Order” box located in the lower left section of the screen, type “memory”.
    • Select “Ambulatory referral to Neurology – Memory Care Center” from the list.
  1. Cognitive Screening Information:
    • Ensure you enter the cognitive screening instrument performed along with its score in the referral.

Please note If the referral is for non-cognitive neurological complaints or non-cognitive geriatric psychiatry, please refer directly to the appropriate specialty.

For non-Hartford HealthCare entities

For non-Hartford HealthCare entities, please fax us a completed referral form:

Download Patient Referral


Important Information Before Making a Referral

Please ensure that your referral includes the following:

  1. Most Recent Progress Note: This helps us understand the current clinical context.
  2. Complete Medical History: A comprehensive history, including any relevant details, is important for accurate assessment.
  3. Current Medications: A list of the patient's medications is essential for our evaluation.
  4. Cognitive Screening Test Results: We require the results of one of the following screening tools:
    • Memory Impairment Screen (MIS)
    • Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
    • Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) Exam
    • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)

Alternatively, in some cases, a detailed mental status exam may suffice in place of formal screening instruments.

Please note that blood work or imaging (e.g., MRI) are not necessary for the referral, as these will be part of our comprehensive evaluation. However, if you already have relevant results—especially thyroid function tests, vitamin B12 levels, CT/MR imaging discs/reports, or neuropsychological testing results—we kindly request that you send them to us if they are not available within EPIC.

Thank you for your collaboration in providing the necessary information for an effective evaluation.

For the First Visit

As part of our comprehensive diagnostic process, the initial evaluation typically spans three visits, although this may vary depending on the individual case. One of the key components of the assessment is domain-specific cognitive testing, which is commonly administered by our Memory Care Center’s neuropsychologist. Most (but not all) patients will undergo this testing.

Please ensure that both your patient and their care partner(s) understand the following:

  1. Diagnosis Availability: A definitive diagnosis is usually not available at the first visit. The diagnostic process involves careful evaluation over multiple visits.
  2. Visit Duration: The initial visit will generally last between one to two hours. This allows time for a thorough assessment. Please inform your patient and their care partner(s) so they can plan accordingly.

We appreciate your assistance in preparing your patients and their families for this process. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out.

Meet & Greet

If you would like to schedule a “Meet & Greet” about efficient performance of cognitive screening tests – such as to fulfill the cognitive requirement on the Medicare Annual Wellness visit – please contact the Memory Care Center and we will be happy to make arrangements for you. There is, of course, no charge for this service.


Amyloid Therapy Program

Hartford HealthCare offers a coordinated, systemwide program to support referring providers considering anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody therapy for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Given the need for careful patient selection and monitoring, our structured approach streamlines evaluation and provides clear, multidisciplinary guidance.

Amyloid Therapy Program details

Multidisciplinary Evaluation

Because anti-amyloid therapies carry important risks, careful patient selection is essential. To support this process, we have an anti‑amyloid therapy board composed of experts from multiple disciplines, including

  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics
  • Neuropsychiatry
  • Nuclear Medicine and MRI
  • Pharmacy
  • Infusion Nursing
  • Social Work

This team-based review ensures evidence-based assessment, appropriate candidacy determination and coordinated treatment planning.

Amyloid Therapy Board

For complex or borderline cases, referring providers may request review by our multidisciplinary Amyloid Therapy Board (ATB).

Providers may:

  • Submit a case for formal review
  • Present the case directly or request presentation by an ATB member
  • Receive a coordinated recommendation to help guide clinical decision-making

The ATB supports shared decision-making and promotes consistent, systemwide standards for patient selection and safety.

Nurse Navigator Support

A dedicated nurse navigator assists with:

  • Eligibility clarification
  • Required testing coordination
  • Referral triage and scheduling

This support is available whether you are evaluating a specific patient or seeking guidance on program criteria.

Safety and Monitoring

Anti-amyloid therapies carry known risks, including amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). Our program includes structured MRI monitoring protocols and coordinated follow-up to support safe treatment administration.

The Ayer Neuroscience Institute

The Ayer Neuroscience Institute works to treat the full range of neurologic conditions. Our mission is more personal - to provide advanced, collaborative services across the state.

About the Institute

Memory Care Center

  • Location

    Address:
    1260 Silas Deane Highway
    Suite 101
    Wethersfield, CT 06109
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  • Contact Us

    Phone: 860.545.7550
    Fax: 860.545.7180

  • Hours

    Monday – Friday
    8:00 AM – 4:30 PM