Frequently Asked Questions
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WHO IS IT FOR
While we should all be interested in optimizing brain health the program is especially important for those who may:
Have a family history of dementia
Be experiencing mild cognitive symptoms or “brain fog”
Have dementia risk factors such as concussion, sleep apnea, obesity, heavy alcohol or tobacco use or personal/family history of high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, or heart/vascular disease.
Learn more about Dementia Prevention.
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Optimizing brain health is important at every age but the fact is most people really only start to think about it in their 70s or 80s when they start to experience “senile moments” or see friends or family affected.
Dementia changes start in the brain decades prior to symptoms. Optimal prevention ideally starts in the 40s, even sooner if you think you have a family history. For women, intervening before or during early menopause is particularly beneficial.
It’s never too late to optimize brain health, even in the 70s and 80s. We know targeted lifestyle and medical management can often slow down progression, even in those already diagnosed.
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I do not participate in any insurances but Healthspan Neurology is NOT a concierge practice. There are no premiums or monthly fees beyond what is listed for a specific service. Please see the following pages for details:
A complimentary 20-minute introductory call is offered to help us decide if my practice is the right fit for your needs.
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The traditional insurance-based healthcare system is designed to treat disease once it appears, not to prevent it. Procedures and acute care are covered, but prevention rarely is. In fact, there isn’t even an insurance code for dementia prevention, even though nearly half of dementia cases are preventable. That’s why I’ve created a different model of care — one that allows me to focus on prevention, personalization, and long-term brain health, without being limited by insurance company rules.
Read more about my own journey and motivation to explore preventive neurologic care.
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HSA and FSA payments may be accepted for some visits. Be aware that in general, insurance does not cover most neurologic preventive care (including dementia prevention).Most lab testing and imaging will be done by a 3rd party in-network provider and WILL be covered by your insurance. Dr. Gajaweera will always aim to obtain insurance authorization from your insurance company or inform you of anticipated 3rd party charges.
If you have a commercial insurance product (NOT Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare) at the conclusion of your appointment, you may ask to be provided with a “superbill” that you may submit to your insurance company for possible partial reimbursement. Healthspan Neurology, PC and Dr. Gajaweera can in no way guarantee insurance reimbursement.
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Most testing will be done at a local lab or imaging facility near you and be directly covered by your insurance.
There are a few tests that insurance may not cover. In these cases, although I can not guarantee charges from an outside facility, I can provide information about the fees that they have set. Generally these tests are in the range of $80-350.
I will always consider cost/benefit when prioritizing testing and will try to help get prior authorization for testing when possible.
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Testing for menopausal brain health typically includes labs looking at hormones, inflammatory markers, advanced metabolic and lipid profiles. Many women will benefit from a formal sleep evaluation, continuous glucose monitoring and cardiovascular testing. In high risk patients we may consider genetic testing, brain imaging, and biomarkers of brain health. Together, we’ll translate this data into clear, personalized strategies to help protect your memory and optimize long-term brain health.
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Nearly half of dementia cases are preventable, but prevention must be individualized to be effective. At Healthspan Neurology, we use advanced cognitive testing, lab work, and imaging to uncover your unique risks and create a targeted plan.
Testing may include bloodwork, genetic testing, brain imaging, sleep evaluation, metabolic and vascular assessments, and biomarkers of brain health. Together, we’ll translate this data into clear, personalized strategies to help protect your memory and optimize long-term brain health.
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Definitely! Lifestyle changes can have tremendous value in slowing down progression of dementia. I welcome you to schedule an introductory phone call to discuss your needs and determine whether the Dementia Prevention Pathway or the Neurologic Consultation Pathway are appropriate for you.
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I do! I’ve been a general neurologist for over 25 years and have expertise in diagnosing and managing a broad array of conditions such as epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy and neuromuscular disorders, gait and movement disorders (such as Parkinsons Disease) as well as dementia (such as Alzheimers Disease). I invite you to call me to learn more about my general neurologic consultation services.
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I provide individualized recommendations for supplements when appropriate, but I do not sell or profit from them. I can also help guide you toward safe, high-quality options so you can use them wisely and effectively.
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Hormone therapy can be helpful for some women, but it is not one-size-fits-all. I provide individualized guidance on the safety, benefits, risks, and types of hormone therapy so you can make an informed choice. As a member of The Menopause Society pursuing advanced training in hormone therapy prescribing, I use an evidence-informed approach to help women navigate this stage of life with clarity and confidence.
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Amazing! You have already laid the foundation for optimizing your brain health. Now it’s time to work smarter, not harder.
Even if you feel healthy, advanced diagnostic tools often reveal hidden risks that we can then target strategically. These specialized tests are not part of standard practice, and even when performed, many physicians may overlook their significance or interpret results with a higher tolerance for abnormalities because they are working within insurance mandated restrictions or not viewing them from the perspective of your brain health.
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I really value the in-person experience but understand that telemedicine is often more convenient or all that’s possible.
Home visits are also an option for patients with mobility issues.
I invite you to discuss your preferences during our introductory phone call.
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Over 21 years I built many special relationships with my patients and their families and I miss them dearly. I invite prior patients to call to find out if the Neurologic Consultation pathway is an appropriate option for prior patients if they feel that a single visit would be helpful to review their status, medications and other treatment modalities.