RVNAhealth Dementia Education & Resources Program

Cognitive Decline and Dementia: The Importance of Early Evaluation with Dr. Alison McElhone
Thursday, February 13th
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Ridgefield Library, 472 Main Street, Ridgefield

Register <<HERE>> To Attend

Join RVNAhealth for this 3-Part Series at the Ridgefield Library focusing on Cognitive Decline and Dementia Care

Part 1: Understanding the early signs of dementia can be crucial for effective care and planning. In this enlightening session, Dr. Alison McElhone, Geriatrician, will explore the various types of dementia, their prevalence, and the underlying brain pathology that contributes to cognitive decline. She will discuss key risk factors, including genetic influences, to help you identify early warning signs and explain why primary care may not be the most suitable setting for a comprehensive evaluation.

Dr. McElhone will guide you through the evaluation process, emphasizing the importance of early detection and assessment in accessing appropriate resources and support. While Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia cannot be treated, early evaluation can significantly impact the management of symptoms and improve quality of life for patients and caregivers. Whether you’re a caregiver or concerned about your own cognitive health, this session will equip you with vital knowledge to navigate the complexities of dementia care.

To Attend, Please Register <<HERE>>

Dr. Alison McElone Bio: Alison L. McElhone, MD, specializes in geriatric medicine and offers experienced, compassionate care to all patients. She takes a special interest in dementia evaluation and management, medication management and palliative and hospice care. Dr. McElhone earned her medical degree from State University of New York Downstate College of Medicine. She completed medical school summa cum laude and with research commendations. Afterward, she completed an internal medicine residency at Stony Brook Hospital and performed a geriatric medicine fellowship there too. While still in New York, Dr. McElhone worked in the primary and extended care departments of the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In 2008, she moved to Saginaw, Michigan with her family and joined Synergy Medical Group, which later became the primary clinical teaching location for Central Michigan University (CMU). During her seven years with CMU, Dr. McElhone saw patients in multiple settings, including office/clinic, home, hospice, assisted living and nursing rehabilitation centers. In 2015, she returned to the East Coast and joined Griffin Faculty Physicians where she continued to pursue her interest in geriatric medicine. In this role she evaluated and managed older adult patients presenting to the Geriatric Assessment Center and patients in skilled nurse settings. In evaluating and treating her older patients, Dr. McElhone understands the impact of social factors, mood and cognitive disorders, chronic pain and functional impairment on quality of life and healthcare utilization. Her individualized approach that addresses these issues, together with treatment of the patient’s chronic medical conditions, results in improved outcomes and quality of life. Dr. McElhone is dedicated to the ongoing care and well-being of her patients, helping them pursue fulfilling lives with family and friends.