A local medical practice that specializes in care for dementia and other cognitive conditions is making the leap from online to in-person services.
After launching in mid-2024 with virtual care options for patients in the D.C. area, Sunday Health will open its first brick-and-mortar office next Tuesday (Jan. 21) in the Tysons Professional Center at 8320 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 401.
The startup is now accepting new patients for in-person appointments, which can be scheduled through its website. Nurse practitioners at the Tysons office will also provide cognitive screenings at no cost to older adults on opening day and Jan. 28, though only a limited number of slots are available.
Backed by the investment firms Route 66 Ventures and Magnify Ventures, Sunday Health says its model emphasizes early detection and intervention for those at risk of developing dementia or mild cognitive impairments.
Each patient gets a personalized brain health plan, and the use of virtual services allows for continuous care, rather than irregular check-ins, according to a press release.
“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,” Sunday Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Doug Elwood said.
In addition to cognitive screenings, which can assess memory and thinking issues and are recommended on an annual basis by the American Academy of Neurology for people 65 and older, Sunday Health’s services include:
- Proactive care targeting modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, sleep disorders, and social isolation.
- Thorough and tailored medication review and management to identify and eliminate those that may impair cognition, while optimizing those that may support brain health and memory.
- Support for family and other loved ones through education and resources to navigate the challenges of cognitive decline.
- Ongoing longitudinal care for those living with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia.
The practice currently accepts patients under Medicare Part B and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia, but it anticipates joining other insurance networks early this year, including Aetna, Cigna, Carefirst and United Healthcare.
Self-pay options are also available for patients who don’t have health insurance or would prefer to pay in cash.
A national health survey conducted in 2022 found that 4% of adults 65 and older reported having been diagnosed with dementia, which can affect memory, reasoning and other cognitive functions.
