Partner Perspective

New Mexico Cancer Center has started an Alzheimer’s program – an initiative that may seem unconventional at first glance but is rooted in logic and patient need. With an on-site neurologist – Dr. Timothy Ownbey – PET and MRI imaging, a full-service lab and an established outpatient infusion center, we are uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive Alzheimer’s care – efficiently and affordably.

This program grew out of a very personal diagnosis within my family and has driven me to do what I can to help others facing this devastating disease. And it likely affecting your patients as well. Nationally, 7 million people are living with the devastating disease, and 12 million people are serving as caregivers.

New disease-modifying therapies can now slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, offering patients a chance to maintain independence and quality of life and easing the burden on caregivers. Early detection is essential for these treatments to be effective, yet what I have seen firsthand is that timely diagnosis was a challenge. Even being part of this medical community, I experienced frustration trying to secure the needed appointments for a family member. So imagine what patients feel when they face long waits to see a neurologist or lack a primary care provider to initiate the diagnostic process.

Our approach removes these barriers. Patients can come to us directly or through your referral. If they don’t have a PCP, we can connect them with one of our advanced practice clinicians. We then facilitate comprehensive workups, including:

• Blood tests to rule out reversible causes of cognitive decline
• APOE genetic testing
• MRI to rule out untreatable microinfarct dementia
• Vizamyl PET imaging, the gold standard for Alzheimer’s diagnosis

The new drugs have risks such as micro bleeds in the brain, but randomized controlled studies have showed that they can slow the progression to provide up to a year or more good quality brain function.

The Alzheimer’s Association has noted that 92% of Americans would be willing to take a treatment that slowed the progression of Alzheimer’s if they knew that they were preserving good quality life.

Once testing is complete, patients meet with Dr. Ownbey for diagnosis and care planning. If appropriate, treatment is provided through our outpatient infusion center at significantly reduced cost compared to hospital settings - an important consideration for our largely Medicare population.

We’ve partnered with the New Mexico chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to offer robust caregiver and patient support services. Most importantly, we ensure care is delivered in a setting that is familiar, friendly, and accessible - something that can make all the difference for patients with cognitive impairment.

At NMCC, we believe our resources shouldn’t serve only oncology patients. With capacity in our imaging and infusion services, we’re expanding our mission: delivering 21st-century care in a welcoming environment at a cost patients can afford.

We welcome your referrals and are happy to coordinate directly with your office. Together, we can help more New Mexicans access the timely Alzheimer’s care they deserve.