What is SMC International?

SMC International connects international patients with 50+ expert doctors across 8 crucial wellness and investment pages, simplifying global healthcare access.

Is NeuroEPO approved by the FDA?

No. NeuroEPO is not FDA-approved and is not available in the United States. It is used within research protocols at Cuban neuroscience institutions. American patients should understand that NeuroEPO is investigational — it is not a cure, and individual outcomes vary. It is offered as part of a comprehensive program including intensive rehabilitation, not as a standalone treatment.

How does Cuba's approach compare to lecanemab (Leqembi) or donanemab (Kisunla)?

Lecanemab and donanemab are FDA-approved anti-amyloid drugs for mild Alzheimer's that target amyloid plaques. They cost $26,000–$32,000+/year and carry ARIA risks. Cuba's approach is different — it focuses on intensive cognitive rehabilitation (4–6 hours daily), neuroprotective research with NeuroEPO, pharmacological management, and caregiver education. The approaches are not mutually exclusive; some patients may benefit from both.

Does U.S. health insurance or Medicare cover treatment in Cuba?

No. Medicare, Medicaid, and U.S. private health insurance typically do not cover treatment in Cuba. Patients are responsible for the full cost. However, HSA/FSA funds may be usable — consult your plan administrator. Medical expenses may also be tax-deductible if they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income.

What is the Alzheimer's caregiver support program in Cuba?

Caregiver education is a mandatory, core component of the Cuban Alzheimer's program at CIREN. Caregivers receive hands-on training in cognitive stimulation, daily routine management, communication strategies, behavioral management, safety, and self-care. A comprehensive written guide is provided for ongoing reference at home.

How long is the Alzheimer's treatment program in Cuba?

Intensive programs typically last 4–8 weeks, depending on the patient's cognitive stage, overall health, and treatment goals. The duration is determined by the multidisciplinary medical team following the initial evaluation. Longer programs may be recommended for more advanced cases.

For California Families

International Medical Program

Alzheimer's International Patient Program for California Families

The international patient program provides end-to-end coordination — from initial medical record review to telemedicine follow-up after returning home. Travel authorization, English-speaking coordinators, accommodation, and comprehensive medical documentation included. California has approximately 720,000 residents with Alzheimer's. California has the largest number of Alzheimer's patients in the nation. While no direct charter flights exist from the West Coast, connecting flights via Mexico City, Cancún, or Miami make the journey manageable. The large population and high cost of U.S. memory care make Cuba's intensive program particularly relevant.

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Alzheimer's International Patient Program in Cuba for California patients

720K

California residents with Alzheimer's

15%

population aged 65+

6–8 hours (connecting via Mexico or Miami)

to Havana

Connecting

flights available

What the International Patient Program Includes

Choosing to travel internationally for Alzheimer's treatment is a significant decision. Cuba's international patient program, coordinated by SMC Salud, is designed to make the process as seamless as possible for American families — from initial consultation to telemedicine follow-up after returning home.

The program includes: medical record review and consultation (submit records for review, receive a personalized treatment proposal within 5–10 business days), travel authorization (letter of medical necessity, treatment confirmation, guidance on approved travel categories), airport reception (English-speaking coordinators at José Martí International Airport), intensive treatment (4–8 weeks at CIREN), accommodation for patient and family, English-speaking coordination throughout, comprehensive medical report for the U.S. neurologist, and telemedicine follow-up after returning to the U.S.

For American families navigating the devastating progression of Alzheimer's disease, the international patient program offers a comprehensive, coordinated alternative — not just treatment for the patient, but essential training and support for the entire family. The program is complementary to U.S. care, not a replacement — patients continue their domestic medications and follow-up.

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.

Travel from California to Cuba

Getting to Havana from California

California has the largest number of Alzheimer's patients in the nation. While no direct charter flights exist from the West Coast, connecting flights via Mexico City, Cancún, or Miami make the journey manageable. The large population and high cost of U.S. memory care make Cuba's intensive program particularly relevant.

Departure Airports

Los Angeles (LAX)
San Francisco (SFO)
San Diego (SAN)
Sacramento (SMF)

Travel time: 6–8 hours (connecting via Mexico or Miami)

Travel Authorization

• U.S. citizens can travel to Cuba under approved categories
• SMC Salud provides letter of medical necessity
• Treatment confirmation documentation included
• Airport reception and ground transport in Havana
• English-speaking coordinators throughout your stay

Serving families across California:

Los AngelesSan DiegoSan JoseSan FranciscoFresnoSacramentoLong Beach

County-level guides available:

Los Angeles County

Click a county for detailed Alzheimer's prevalence data and localized treatment guides

More Alzheimer's & Dementia Topics

Related Alzheimer's & Dementia Treatment Options

Alzheimer's Treatment in Cuba in California

Alzheimer's treatment in Cuba for American patients — NeuroEPO neuroprotective research, intensive cognitive rehabilitation at CIREN, and comprehensive clinical evaluation. Travel authorization, HSA/FSA, English coordinators.

Learn more

Alzheimer's Rehabilitation in Cuba in California

Alzheimer's rehabilitation in Cuba — 4–6 hours of daily multidisciplinary therapy at CIREN for American patients. Cognitive rehabilitation, neuropsychology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy in an intensive 4–8 week program.

Learn more

Alzheimer's Evaluation in Cuba in California

Comprehensive Alzheimer's evaluation in Cuba for American patients — neuropsychological testing, MRI review, blood work, and multidisciplinary team assessment at CIREN. Independent clinical evaluation for U.S. families.

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Alzheimer's Second Opinion from Cuba in California

Seek a second opinion for Alzheimer's from Cuba's neurology team — independent review of neuropsychological testing, MRI, and medical history. For American families exploring treatment options beyond domestic care.

Learn more

Cognitive Rehabilitation in Cuba in California

Cognitive rehabilitation for Alzheimer's in Cuba — intensive daily therapy at CIREN targeting memory, attention, language, and executive function. 4–6 hours per day for 4–8 weeks for U.S. patients.

Learn more

Dementia Rehabilitation in Cuba in California

Dementia rehabilitation in Cuba for U.S. patients — intensive multidisciplinary therapy at CIREN for Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. 4–6 hours daily for 4–8 weeks.

Learn more

Alzheimer's Care for U.S. Patients in California

Alzheimer's care in Cuba designed for American patients — English coordinators, travel authorization support, HSA/FSA guidance, telemedicine follow-up, and coordination with U.S. neurologists.

Learn more

Alzheimer's Treatment Options in Cuba in California

Complete guide to Alzheimer's treatment options in Cuba — NeuroEPO, intensive cognitive rehabilitation, pharmacological management, caregiver training, and comprehensive evaluation. For American families exploring options.

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Early Alzheimer's Evaluation in Cuba in California

Early Alzheimer's evaluation in Cuba for American patients — early-stage cognitive assessment, mild cognitive impairment evaluation, and personalized treatment planning. Early diagnosis enables more treatment options.

Learn more

Available in Your State

Alzheimer's International Patient Program by U.S. State

Florida

580K

Texas

400K

California

720K

New York

410K

Pennsylvania

280K

Ohio

220K

Michigan

190K

Georgia

150K

North Carolina

180K

Illinois

230K

Louisiana

89K

Maryland

110K

Mississippi

57K

South Carolina

95K

Oklahoma

67K

Southeastern United States

1.1M

Southern United States

1.4M

Eastern United States

3.2M

East Coast

2.2M

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions from California Families

Yes. U.S. citizens can travel to Cuba under approved categories. SMC Salud provides all necessary documentation, including the letter of medical necessity and treatment confirmation, to support travel authorization. Our team guides you through the entire process to ensure compliance with all regulations.

Ready to Explore Alzheimer's International Patient Program in Cuba?

Submit your medical records for a complimentary review. California families receive a personalized treatment proposal within 5–10 business days.

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