Here's an example of how a treatment team at the NeuroCenter's Alzheimer's Clinic might work with a referring physician to develop and monitor a typical case:

• The referring physician performs a preliminary clinical assessment and sends the patient to the NeuroCenter for further evaluation and, if necessary, treatment.
• A NeuroCenter clinician performs a complete neurological examination and laboratory evaluation of the patient.
• The patient's treatment team, which might include a neuropsychologist, physiatrist, neurologist, social worker, and occupational therapist, develops a standard of care protocol, using the data gathered as well as the referring physician's input on the patient's broader medical history and social context.
• Based on this protocol, the team recommends a treatment regimen to the referring physician, who has the prerogative of making all final decisions in cooperation with the patient and family.
• After the agreed treatment, the patient undergoes follow-up and outcome measurement. The treatment team assesses the patient's functional and neuropsychological status, explores and evaluates potential problem areas, and makes referral recommendations to community resources for further evaluation or treatment.

Of course, no two cases are the same, and neither are their treatments. Stroke and traumatic brain injury typically require extensive in-hospital evaluation and treatment, in many cases followed by long-term rehabilitation. Patients with epilepsy, Parkinsons disease, or multiple sclerosis require more long-term treatment as well as periodic hospital admissions during their therapeutic regimen. So to respond appropriately, treatment processes must remain flexible - a key benefit of our multidisciplinary, whole-patient approach.