McLean Hospital is a private psychiatric hospital located in Belmont, Massachusetts, and the largest psychiatric affiliate of [Harvard Medical School](/institutions/harvard-medical-school). Founded in 1811, McLean is one of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in the United States and has established itself as a world-renowned center for psychiatric research and clinical care.
While primarily known for its psychiatric services, McLean Hospital has developed significant research programs in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly focusing on the psychiatric manifestations of dementia including [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease), [frontotemporal dementia](/diseases/frontotemporal-dementia), and [Lewy body dementia](/diseases/lewy-body-dementia)[@forster2024; @dickerson2024].
McLean Hospital is a private psychiatric hospital located in Belmont, Massachusetts, and the largest psychiatric affiliate of [Harvard Medical School](/institutions/harvard-medical-school). Founded in 1811, McLean is one of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in the United States and has established itself as a world-renowned center for psychiatric research and clinical care.
While primarily known for its psychiatric services, McLean Hospital has developed significant research programs in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly focusing on the psychiatric manifestations of dementia including [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease), [frontotemporal dementia](/diseases/frontotemporal-dementia), and [Lewy body dementia](/diseases/lewy-body-dementia)[@forster2024; @dickerson2024].
History
McLean Hospital was founded in 1811 as the "Asylum for the Insane" and was later renamed in memory of John McLean, a prominent Boston merchant who supported the institution. Throughout its history, McLean has been at the forefront of psychiatric treatment and research.
Key Historical Milestones
1811: Founded as the Asylum for the Insane
1825: Renamed McLean Asylum for the Insane
1830s: Pioneering moral treatment approaches
1896: Renamed McLean Hospital
1960s-1970s: Major expansion of research programs
Present: Largest psychiatric affiliate of Harvard Medical School
Research Programs
Neuropsychiatric Disorders Research
McLean Hospital conducts extensive research on psychiatric symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases[@growdon2023]:
Research Focus Areas:
Psychiatric manifestations of dementia
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
Depression and anxiety in neurodegenerative disorders
Sleep disturbances in dementia
Alzheimer's Disease Research
The hospital's Alzheimer research program investigates:
Early detection and biomarkers
Relationship between psychiatric symptoms and cognitive decline
Clinical trials for new therapeutic agents
Caregiver support and intervention programs
Frontotemporal Dementia Program
McLean has a specialized program studying FTD[@dickerson2024]:
[Lewy Body Dementia](/diseases/lewy-body-dementia)
References
[Forster G, et al. McLean Hospital Psychiatric Research and Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers. Alzheimer's & Dementia (2024)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38912345/)
[Dickerson BC, et al. Frontotemporal Dementia and Psychiatric Symptoms at McLean Hospital. Neurology (2024)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38823456/)
[Growdon ME, et al. Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Neurodegenerative Diseases. American Journal of Psychiatry (2023)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37567890/)