The NYU Silberstein Aging & Dementia Research Center (ADRC) is committed to providing diagnostic services, caregiver counseling and education, and access to clinical trials treatment to an ethnically-diverse patient population. We actively provide education and information about the advantages of participating in our programs to NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities), community-based multi-service centers, organizations, programs and hospitals that provide services to underserved ethnic elder minorities.

The Multicultural Aging and Dementia Assessment Program is staffed by a team of experienced professionals, including bilingual and bicultural clinicians, dedicated to providing culturally-sensitive and language-appropriate diagnostic services. In an effort to meet the needs of a diverse patient population, the following services are an integral part of our clinical work:

• The referral process and the scheduling of patient visits are coordinated by a bilingual (Spanish and English) staff . Applications for diagnostic evaluations are available in Spanish and English, and they may be completed over the phone with the assistance from our staff.
  
  
• Memory tests, medical exams, clinical interviews, and family meetings are conducted either by bilingual clinicians or with the assistance of a bilingual/bicultural translator.
  
  
• A bilingual family counselor (social worker) is available for caregiver counseling and education, as well as to direct patients and caregivers to resources and further assistance in their communities.
  
  
• Free educational presentations and cognitive screenings in English or Spanish, at various community organizations and centers, are provided to health care professionals, patients, family members, and others who may be interested in learning more about memory problems, dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease.

In addition to diagnostic clinical work with an ethnically-diverse patient population, the Multicultural Program is presently involved in several research projects which will help us identify some of the barriers that limit access to services and service utilization among Hispanic patients and caregivers dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. We are also presently collaborating in a research project studying intercultural differences in the age of onset of Alzheimer’s disease between Latinos and Caucasians.

If you would you like to learn more about the Multicultural Aging and Dementia Assessment Program, refer someone or yourself for a diagnostic evaluation, or schedule a free educational presentation on memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, please call us at (212) 263-2245.

Angelica M. Perez, Ph.D., Co-Director & Coordinator
Migdalia Torres, C.S.W., Assistant Program Coordinator

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