LSU and Ochsner Health Expand Partnership, Leadership in Dementia Care

Improving Lives for Alzheimer’s Patients and Their Families

Louisiana ranks fifth in the nation for Alzheimer’s disease, which mostly impacts older adults and is among the leading causes of death.

With only 50 certified geriatricians in the state—physicians who specialize in the treatment of older people—it is often difficult to diagnose and treat dementia as well as other diseases and injuries, from heart problems to broken bones, in patients with dementia.

But thanks to a unique partnership between LSU and Ochsner Health, dementia care is improving. Recently, Ochsner Health’s MedVantage Clinic in New Orleans became recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, getting the highest recognition of its kind, “Committed to Care Excellence.” This achievement was a direct result of teaming up with LSU to implement the 4Ms framework, which are four core principles of high-quality care: what matters most, medication, mentation, and mobility.

“Our main goal is to try to bridge the gap between the care people with dementia get from their primary care providers and the care they would be getting if they went to a specialist,” said Scott Wilks, professor of social work and director of the Healthy Aging Research Center at LSU. “By 2030, older Americans will account for nearly 30 percent of the nation’s population, so the need for this work is dramatic.”

“Our project has grown exponentially. Now we’re reaching other clinics and providers in Louisiana, Mississippi, and beyond. There is never going to be enough geriatricians, so we’re working with LSU to make sure primary care providers know how to address these things for older adults. It’s been a great partnership.”

Matthew Estrade, project manager at Ochsner Health