Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
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OKLAHOMA CITY VAMC'S CENTER FOR ALZHEIMER'S AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS (CANDO)
The Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Disorders Clinic was established in 1996 to provide a multidisciplinary assessment of Veterans with memory complaints or decline in cognitive functions, including behavior and comportment. Primary care physicians and other health providers at VAMC can request a Consult (ALZ) for their patients with documented memory, cognitive or behavioral changes. Patient will be scheduled for initial assessment within 30 days of the Consult request. Patient will be tested for signs of cognitive decline and family members will be interviewed separately for history of patient's decline, especially changes in behaviors. Blood tests and a CT of brain will be ordered and, if needed, a complete neurological exam will be scheduled. After the neurological exam, other tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. A long-term treatment plan will be sent to the patient/family caregivers after the assessment is completed that includes the diagnosis and planned treatment. Caregiver education and support is available to family members by phone and in clinic, and patients can be seen for follow-up whenever it is necessary. Marilee Monnot, PhD |
