Dementia, Cognitive Health Prioritized At New Medical Practice In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — In response to increasing needs for dementia care and prevention in the aging population, a new medical practice is opening in Vienna.

Sunday Health, a medical practice launched in mid-2024, specializes in diagnosing and managing mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The practice is initially offering virtual care to patients before accepting in-person appointments starting Jan. 21 at 8320 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 401, Vienna, VA.

"Our approach to diagnosing and treating dementia shifts the paradigm from reactive, symptom-based care to proactive, preventive management, much like the evolution of heart health decades ago," said Dr. Doug Elwood, the chief medical officer at Sunday Health.

The medical practice cites research from The Lancet medical journal that early diagnosis and addressing dementia risk factors can delay or prevent a significant portion of dementia cases. However, patients face a shortage of specialized health care that could help with early diagnosis, preventative services and dementia care.

Sunday Health is staffed by specially-trained nurse practitioners and care navigators, along with cognitive neurologists for complex cases. The medical practice provides cognitive screenings, assessments and diagnoses; care to target risk factors like hypertension, sleep disorders, and social isolation; education and resources on cognitive decline for family; and ongoing longitudinal care for patients with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia. Sunday Health recommends annual cognitive screening for adults 65 and older.

"With new disease-slowing medications, blood-based biomarkers, AI-driven diagnostics, and growing evidence that lifestyle changes can significantly reduce dementia risk, we now have more tools than ever to help prevent and delay cognitive decline," said Elwood.

Sunday Health accepts Medicare Part B and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia and expects to be in network with additional insurance companies in early 2025, including Aetna, Cigna, Carefirst and United Healthcare. Self-pay options for those without insurance or cash payments are available. Some patients may be eligible for a cognitive screening at no cost on Jan. 21 and Jan. 28.

For more information, www.sundayhealth.com or call 571-517-1564.