Families searching for memory clinics and Alzheimer's research centers in Boston can start with National Institute on Aging directories of designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers, then call major local hospitals to ask about memory evaluation. This page lists public hospital contacts, explains what a first visit typically involves, and points to Massachusetts family support. For more local aging resources, see our Boston city guide.
How many older adults live in Boston?
Boston has 84,074 residents age 65 and older, 11,039 residents age 85 and older, and 27,935 seniors living alone, with a median household income of $94,755, according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates.
Those Census figures describe the city's older population. They are not a count of people living with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, and this page does not estimate that number.
Where can Boston families find NIA-designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers?
Boston families can locate NIA-designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers through official National Institute on Aging directories rather than through informal clinic lists. NIA publishes a list of NIA-funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers and a tool to find an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.
Use those NIA pages to confirm which designated centers currently serve people who live in Boston, whether a physician referral is required, and how to request a first appointment. Center listings change, so call the center before you travel. A research center is not the same as a community memory clinic, and an NIA listing is not an endorsement of any home care provider.
How does the CDC describe Alzheimer's disease?
The CDC describes Alzheimer's disease as the most common type of dementia and notes that it can affect memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out daily activities, as outlined in the CDC overview of Alzheimer's and dementia.
That general description is one reason families seek a specialist evaluation. It is not a diagnosis, and it does not tell you which Boston clinic to choose.
Which Boston hospitals can families call about a memory evaluation?
Families in Boston can call the city's major hospitals to ask whether they offer memory evaluation, geriatric services, or neurology appointments. CMS publishes each hospital's name, address, type, ownership, and overall star rating. CMS does not publish whether a hospital has a dedicated memory or geriatric unit, so confirm memory services and dementia-related discharge planning directly with the hospital.
None of the hospitals below is presented as a confirmed memory clinic, and none is described here as endorsing any private care service.
Brigham and Women's Hospital
75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 732-5500
Acute care hospital, voluntary nonprofit with private ownership, emergency services. CMS overall rating: 5 out of 5. Details are on the CMS Care Compare listing for Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 726-2000
Acute care hospital, voluntary nonprofit with private ownership, emergency services. CMS overall rating: 5 out of 5. Details are on the CMS Care Compare listing for Massachusetts General Hospital.
New England Baptist Hospital
125 Parker Hill Avenue, Boston, MA 02120
Phone: (617) 754-5800
Acute care hospital, voluntary nonprofit with private ownership. CMS overall rating: 5 out of 5. Details are on the CMS Care Compare listing for New England Baptist Hospital.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Phone: (617) 667-7000
Acute care hospital, voluntary nonprofit with private ownership, emergency services. CMS overall rating: 3 out of 5. Details are on the CMS Care Compare listing for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Boston Medical Center
1 Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 638-8000
Acute care hospital, voluntary nonprofit with private ownership, emergency services. CMS overall rating: 3 out of 5. Details are on the CMS Care Compare listing for Boston Medical Center.
Tufts Medical Center
800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: (617) 636-5000
Acute care hospital, voluntary nonprofit with private ownership, emergency services. CMS overall rating: 2 out of 5. Details are on the CMS Care Compare listing for Tufts Medical Center.
Arbour Hospital
49 Robinwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
Phone: (617) 522-4400
Psychiatric hospital with proprietary ownership. CMS has not assigned an overall star rating. Details are on the CMS Care Compare listing for Arbour Hospital.