For American FamiliesAlzheimer's Treatment in CubaNeuroEPO, Cognitive Rehabilitation & Second Opinions for U.S. Patients
Over 6.7 million Americans live with Alzheimer's. For families seeking treatment options beyond what's available domestically — intensive cognitive rehabilitation, neuroprotective research, or a second opinion — Cuba offers a fundamentally different approach, coordinated for U.S. patients by SMC Salud.
Clinical Research Basis
Patient Safety First
Expert Neurology Team
International Standards
International Alzheimer's Treatment
Why American Families Choose Cuba for Alzheimer's Treatment
While the FDA has approved lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla) for early-stage Alzheimer's, these drugs are limited to mild disease, carry ARIA risks, and cost $26,000–$32,000+ per year. For the millions of Americans whose Alzheimer's has progressed beyond the mild stage — or who seek more intensive rehabilitation than U.S. insurance allows — Cuba offers an alternative approach focused on intensive cognitive rehabilitation, neuroprotective research, and comprehensive care.
NeuroEPO — Not Available in the USA
Cuba's CIGB-developed neuroprotective therapy, formulated for intranasal delivery to cross the blood-brain barrier. Investigated for mild cognitive impairment and mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's. Available only in Cuba.
20–30× More Therapy Than U.S. Standard
CIREN delivers 4–6 hours of daily multidisciplinary therapy vs. 1–2 hours per week in the U.S. (insurance-limited). This intensity is the primary driver of functional improvement.
Mandatory Caregiver Training
Structured, hands-on caregiver education in cognitive stimulation, daily routines, communication, and behavioral management — skills that help families sustain gains at home for years.
Alzheimer's Care Close to Home — Florida Families
Florida has over 580,000 residents living with Alzheimer's — one of the highest prevalence rates in the nation. Explore how families in Miami-Dade, Tampa, and Orlando access Cuba's intensive treatment programs, with direct charter flights making the journey remarkably short.
~28,000 with Alzheimer's
Miami-Dade
Population 442,241
28,000
residents affected
16.6%
of seniors
Miami International (MIA)
~1 hour direct charter to Havana
of seniors have Alzheimer's — 1 in 6 older adults
Miami-Dade County holds a 16.6% Alzheimer's prevalence rate among seniors — meaning roughly 1 in 6 older adults in Miami is diagnosed with the disease. Miami International Airport offers the most convenient direct charter flights to Havana, just 1 hour flight time, making Miami the easiest U.S. departure point for Cuban medical treatment.
Explore Miami-Dade patient hubPrevalence estimates based on Alzheimer's Association and CDC state-level surveillance data. Individual treatment suitability is determined after medical evaluation. No treatment currently cures Alzheimer's disease — Cuba's program aims to slow cognitive decline and improve quality of life.
Alzheimer's Care Close to Home — Beyond Florida & Texas
Millions of Americans live with Alzheimer's in states across the country. Explore local prevalence data, flight connections to Havana, and how families in your area can access Cuba's intensive treatment programs. Select your state below to see city-level data.
~190,000 with Alzheimer's
Los Angeles
Population 3,849,000
190,000
residents affected
13.5%
of seniors
Los Angeles International (LAX)
~5–6 hours connecting via Miami to Havana
of seniors have Alzheimer's — largest patient pool in the U.S.
Los Angeles County has the largest Alzheimer's patient population of any U.S. metropolitan area. LAX offers connecting flights to Havana via Miami, with total travel time of 5–6 hours. The region's large Latino and Asian-American communities face growing Alzheimer's prevalence, and many families seek alternatives to the high cost of U.S. memory care.
Explore Los Angeles patient hubPrevalence estimates based on Alzheimer's Association and CDC state-level surveillance data. Individual treatment suitability is determined after medical evaluation. No treatment currently cures Alzheimer's disease — Cuba's program aims to slow cognitive decline and improve quality of life.
Alzheimer's Treatment Options
What Can Be Done for Alzheimer's Patients in Cuba
Cuba's Alzheimer's program combines biotechnology research with intensive rehabilitation, pharmacological management, and caregiver education — a multidisciplinary approach that addresses multiple aspects of neurodegeneration simultaneously.
NeuroEPO Neuroprotective Research
Cuba's CIGB-developed recombinant erythropoietin, formulated for intranasal delivery to cross the blood-brain barrier. Investigated for potential neuroprotective effects in mild cognitive impairment and mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's.
Intensive Cognitive Rehabilitation
4–6 hours of daily multidisciplinary therapy at CIREN — neuropsychology, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy — coordinated by a single team following the patient throughout the program.
Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation
Full neurological exam, neuropsychological testing, MRI review, blood work, and multidisciplinary team assessment to determine cognitive stage and build a personalized treatment plan.
Pharmacological Management
Optimization of cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, and other medications by a Cuban neurologist — coordinated with your U.S. neurologist's current regimen.
Caregiver Support & Training
Structured, mandatory caregiver education in cognitive stimulation, daily routine management, communication strategies, behavioral management, and self-care — skills that last for years.
Memory Loss Treatment Program
Targeted programs for patients experiencing memory loss, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and early-stage dementia — aiming to slow decline and maintain independence.
No treatment currently cures Alzheimer's disease. Cuba's program aims to slow cognitive decline, maintain function, and improve quality of life. NeuroEPO is investigational and not FDA-approved. Treatment suitability is determined after individual medical evaluation. Individual outcomes vary.
Alzheimer's Rehabilitation Comparison
Cuba's CIREN Model vs. U.S. Standard Alzheimer's Care
The most significant difference between Cuban and U.S. Alzheimer's care is the intensity and coordination of rehabilitation. Understanding this difference helps American families make informed decisions.
| Aspect | U.S. Standard Care | Cuba's CIREN Model |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Intensity | 1–2 hours per week (insurance-limited) | 4–6 hours per day, 5 days a week |
| Team Coordination | Separate specialists, separate appointments | Single multidisciplinary team, coordinated daily |
| Neuroprotective Research | Not available (NeuroEPO is not FDA-approved) | NeuroEPO intranasal therapy under research protocols |
| Anti-Amyloid Drugs | Lecanemab ($26K+/yr), donanemab ($32K+/yr) — ARIA risks | Different approach — neuroprotection, not amyloid clearance |
| Caregiver Training | Optional support groups, limited formal training | Mandatory, structured, hands-on caregiver education |
| Program Duration | Ongoing medication, occasional visits | 4–8 week intensive in-clinic program + telemedicine follow-up |
| Cost (Annual) | $40,000–$144,000+ (drugs, memory care, in-home care) | All-inclusive program — transparent pricing after review |
Alzheimer's Second Opinion Abroad
Seeking a Second Opinion from Cuba's Neurology Team
Many American families seek a second opinion from Cuba's neurology team — particularly when U.S. treatment options have been exhausted, when the patient's Alzheimer's has progressed beyond the mild stage, or when the family wants to explore intensive rehabilitation as a complement to current care.
- Independent assessment by Cuba's multidisciplinary neurology team
- Review of neuropsychological testing, MRI, and medical history
- Evaluation for NeuroEPO suitability and intensive rehabilitation
- Comprehensive medical report for your U.S. neurologist
- No obligation to travel — the review is complimentary with submission
Dementia Care Programs
Cuba's dementia rehabilitation programs address the full spectrum of cognitive decline — from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Each program is personalized based on cognitive stage, overall health, and caregiver capacity.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Optimal window for neuroprotective intervention
Mild Alzheimer's Disease
Intensive cognitive rehabilitation + NeuroEPO research
Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
Rehabilitation + behavioral management + caregiver training
Memory Loss Evaluation
Comprehensive diagnostic workup for memory disorders
Alzheimer's Treatment Outside the USA — Detailed Guides
Complete Guides for American Families
Country-specific guides on NeuroEPO, intensive cognitive rehabilitation at CIREN, cost comparisons, travel logistics, and caregiver training — written for U.S. families.
International Alzheimer's Treatment — Your Journey
From U.S. Home to Havana and Back
SMC Salud coordinates every step — from medical review to travel authorization, treatment, and telemedicine follow-up after you return home.
Submit Medical Records
Send neuropsychological testing, MRI, blood work, and medication list for review. The neurology team responds within 5–10 business days with a treatment proposal.
Travel to Havana
Direct charter flights from Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale. SMC Salud provides travel authorization documentation and airport reception in Havana.
Intensive Treatment Program
4–8 weeks of daily multidisciplinary therapy at CIREN, NeuroEPO where indicated, pharmacological management, and caregiver training — all in English.
Return Home with a Plan
Comprehensive medical report for your U.S. neurologist, personalized home-continuation program, and ongoing telemedicine follow-up with the Cuban team.
Travel, Cost & Payment for U.S. Patients
What American Families Need to Know
Travel Authorization
- • U.S. citizens can travel to Cuba under approved categories
- • SMC Salud provides letter of medical necessity
- • Direct charter flights from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale
- • Connecting flights via Mexico, Canada, or Bahamas
- • Airport reception and ground transport in Havana
Cost & Insurance
- • All-inclusive program (medical care + therapy + accommodation + meals)
- • Transparent pricing after medical review
- • U.S. insurance & Medicare do not cover Cuba treatment
- • HSA/FSA funds may be usable — consult your plan administrator
- • Medical expenses may be tax-deductible (over 7.5% AGI)
Payment Methods
- • Secure online gateway — U.S. credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex)
- • International bank transfers in EUR, GBP, or CAD
- • USD bank transfers are not accepted
- • Itemized invoices provided for HSA/FSA reimbursement
- • Comprehensive medical documentation for tax purposes
Alzheimer's Treatment Abroad — Frequently Asked Questions
Questions from American Families
Cuba offers NeuroEPO — a neuroprotective recombinant erythropoietin developed by CIGB for intranasal delivery, investigated for mild cognitive impairment and mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's. It is not FDA-approved and is not available in the United States. Combined with CIREN's intensive cognitive rehabilitation (4–6 hours of daily therapy), this approach is fundamentally different from U.S. standard care, which typically involves medication management and occasional therapy sessions.
Ready to Explore Alzheimer's Treatment in Cuba?
Submit your medical records for a complimentary review by Cuba's neurology team. Receive a personalized treatment proposal within 5–10 business days — no obligation to travel.