DEFINITION
W
Integrative Geriatric Medicine is a different kind of care for older adults. It goes beyond treating symptoms. It asks a bigger question: what does this person need to feel well, stay active, and enjoy life?
At GWCIM, we look at your whole health picture — your body, your mind, your emotions, and your daily life. We work with you to find what's helping, what's hurting, and what could be better. Then we build a plan that fits you.
GWCIM has been a leader in this kind of care for over 25 years. We are one of the only centers in the country that trains doctors in integrative geriatric medicine through a fellowship program at GW University.
Qualifications & Background
Our Integrative Geriatrics program is led by Dr. Mikhail Kogan, MD. He is a specialist in both Integrative Medicine and Geriatrics, and a professor at GW University. Dr. Kogan wrote the book on this field — literally. He is the editor of Integrative Geriatric Medicine, published by Oxford University Press. His team includes doctors, naturopathic physicians, nutritionists, and mental health professionals who all work together on your care.
INDICATIONS
What conditions does it help with?
ADVANTAGE
Why Geriatrics Consultations and Primary Care at GWCIM?
Many of our patients come to us after years of seeing many different doctors. At GWCIM, everything is in one place. Our team talks to each other. Your care is coordinated.
One of the most important things we do is look carefully at your medications. Many older adults take a large number of pills — and sometimes, those pills cause more problems than they solve. Too many medications can cause fatigue, confusion, falls, and other serious issues. We review your medications thoroughly and work with you to safely reduce the ones you may not need. This process is called deprescribing — the careful, medically supervised removal of medications that are no longer helping or may be causing harm. Many patients feel significantly better after this process.
APPROACH
Our Approach
Your first visit is unhurried. We take the time to learn about you — your health history, your medications, how you're sleeping, how you're feeling day to day, and what matters most to you. We don't rush.
From there, we build a care plan that may include regular medical care, nutritional guidance, naturopathic medicine, and mind-body support. For patients with memory concerns and cognitive decline or cognitive decline, we offer a dedicated weekly support group called "Renewing Mind and Body," open to both patients and family members. For those with Alzheimer's disease, we also offer our specialized ReCODE Program — see the ReCODE Program page for details.
Our goal is simple: help you live as fully and comfortably as possible.
Aging Is Not Just Decline
Getting older can still mean living well. Our job is to help you do that — with vitality, dignity, and purpose.
Fewer Medications, Better Health
Too many medications are one of the biggest problems in older adult care. We work carefully to simplify your medication list whenever it's safe to do so.
The Whole Person
We care about your body, your mind, your emotions, and your relationships. Good health involves all of these.
Science and Experience Together
We use treatments that are backed by research — and we bring over 25 years of clinical experience in caring for older adults.
Family Matters
Your loved ones and caregivers are welcome here. Aging is something families go through together, and we support the whole family.
Care Options
Geriatric Consultations
A thorough one-time or ongoing visit with Dr. Kogan to review your health and create a personalized plan.
Integrative Primary Care
Ongoing, long-term care with a doctor who knows you well and coordinates all aspects of your health.
Support for Serious Illness
Compassionate care for patients living with serious illness — focusing on comfort, quality of life, and planning.
"Renewing Mind and Body" Group
A weekly support group for people with memory concerns and cognitive decline and their families. Free to attend. Open to all.
Telehealth Visits:
Many appointments are available by telehealth — a secure video call from the comfort of your home.
ReCODE Program for Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Loss
Comprehensive Program based on Dr. Dale Bredesen's Protocol by Apollo-certified providers.
EXPERTISE
Recommended Providers
Mikhail Kogan, MD, ABIOM, RCST
Integrative and Functional Medicine Physician | ReCODE Program | Chief Medical Officer
Sharon DeMocker, MD
Integrative Medicine Physician
Ajowa Ifateyo, MS, CNS
Certified Nutrition Specialist, Health Coach, Certified ReCODE™ Provider
Yael Flusberg, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, RMT, MS
Mindfulness and Somatic Coach | Yoga Therapist | Reiki Master
Sally Novak, LCSW, DOM, L.Ac., MSW
Integrative Psychotherapist | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Doctor of Oriental Medicine
Marianna Ledenac, BS, ND
Naturopathic Physician
LEARN MORE
What to expect as a patient
- A Full, Unhurried First Visit: We review your health history, your medications, your memory and daily functioning, and your personal goals. You will be listened to.
- Medication Review: We look carefully at every medication you take and work with you to safely reduce any that may be doing more harm than good.
- A Plan Built Around You: Your care plan will combine the best of conventional medicine with nutrition, natural therapies, and lifestyle support — all tailored to your needs.
- Memory and Brain Health Support: If you have concerns about memory or thinking, we offer cognitive assessments and our weekly "Renewing Mind and Body" group.
- Ongoing Primary Care: If you'd like, GWCIM can be your regular doctor — coordinating all aspects of your health over the long term.
- Support for Serious Illness: If you or a loved one is dealing with a serious illness, we offer compassionate support for managing symptoms and making decisions about care.
Q&A
Q&A
- Staying healthy as you age
- Memory concerns, cognitive decline, and early dementia
- Alzheimer's disease (see also: ReCODE Program)
- Too many medications (polypharmacy)
- Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis
- Fatigue and low energy
- Sleep problems
- Falls and balance issues
- Chronic pain
- Depression, anxiety, and mood changes
- End-of-life planning and support
- Support for family caregivers
A regular geriatrician focuses on diagnosing and treating age-related health problems. We do that too — but we also look at nutrition, lifestyle, natural therapies, and your mental and emotional health. And unlike most doctors, we actively work to reduce the number of medications you're taking when it's safe to do so.
We do not accept Medicare or other insurance, or rather, Medicare would not cover the type of care we offer. GWCIM is a private-pay practice. We can provide you with documentation to submit to your insurance company for possible partial reimbursement. We are happy to talk with you about what care might look like for your situation.
Yes — this is one of the most common reasons families come to us. We review every medication carefully and work to safely reduce the ones that may no longer be needed, or that may be causing problems. Many patients experience real improvements in energy, mental clarity, and overall well-being after this process.
The ReCODE Program is our specialized program for people with Alzheimer's disease or significant cognitive decline. It uses Dr. Dale Bredesen’s protocol to address the root causes of memory loss. Please see the ReCODE Program page for full details.
Yes, and we encourage it. Family members and caregivers are welcome at consultations with the patient's permission. Our weekly support group is open to family members as well. We understand that caring for an aging loved one is something the whole family experiences.
EDUCATION