Who May Be Eligible for NeuralCIM® Therapy?

Understanding Eligibility

NeuralCIM® (NeuroEPO) is a neuroprotective therapy developed by Cuba's Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB). It is not a standalone treatment — it is administered as part of Cuba's comprehensive multidisciplinary Alzheimer's program at CIREN and affiliated neuroscience centers in Havana.

Eligibility for NeuralCIM® therapy is determined through a comprehensive medical review by Cuba's multidisciplinary neurology team. Not every Alzheimer's patient is eligible, and the decision is based on multiple factors including cognitive stage, overall health, and specific medical criteria.

Cognitive Stage Requirements

NeuralCIM® therapy is typically indicated for patients at the following cognitive stages:

• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) — The optimal window for neuroprotective intervention. Patients with MCI have noticeable cognitive changes but maintain daily independence. NeuroEPO aims to protect neurons from further damage and potentially slow progression to Alzheimer's. • Mild Alzheimer's Disease — Patients in the early stage of Alzheimer's who still retain significant cognitive function. Neuroprotective therapy combined with intensive cognitive rehabilitation aims to preserve remaining function. • Moderate Alzheimer's Disease — Patients in the middle stage may still be eligible, though the focus shifts to maintaining function and managing behavioral symptoms rather than reversing decline.

Patients with severe Alzheimer's (late stage) are typically not candidates for NeuroEPO therapy, as the extensive neuronal loss limits the potential benefit. In these cases, Cuba's program focuses on supportive care, behavioral management, and caregiver education.

Medical Review Process

The eligibility review is a thorough, multidisciplinary process:

1. Medical Record Submission — Families submit neuropsychological testing, brain MRI, blood work, current medication list, and medical history through SMC Salud's secure portal. 2. Neurology Team Review — Cuba's neurology team reviews the records to assess cognitive stage, type of dementia, and overall health. 3. Eligibility Determination — The team determines whether NeuralCIM® therapy is appropriate and, if so, recommends a personalized treatment program. 4. Treatment Proposal — Families receive a detailed treatment proposal within 5–10 business days, including program duration, components, and cost.

The review is complimentary with record submission — there is no obligation to travel. If the patient is not eligible for NeuralCIM®, the team may recommend alternative approaches or suggest that the patient's current domestic care is appropriate.

Factors That May Affect Eligibility

Several factors may influence eligibility for NeuralCIM® therapy:

• Type of dementia — NeuralCIM® is primarily indicated for Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Patients with other types of dementia (vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal) may be eligible for Cuba's rehabilitation program but may not receive NeuroEPO. • Overall health — Patients must be medically stable enough for international travel and an intensive 4–8 week treatment program. • Cardiovascular status — Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease may need to be managed before treatment. • Active infections — Active infections must be treated before beginning the program. • Pregnancy — NeuroEPO is not administered during pregnancy. • Severe psychiatric conditions — Uncontrolled severe psychiatric conditions may need to be stabilized first.

The medical team evaluates each case individually — there is no automatic exclusion based on any single factor. Families should submit records for review even if they are unsure about eligibility.