The MDC is a referral clinic particularly suitable for the evaluation of patients with unusual or atypical cognitive impairment. Because of the waiting list for this clinic, it is not appropriate for patients with acute mental status change or multiple, severe coexisting medical illnesses.
Neurological consultation is available to assess such patients through other clinics however.
Patients should be accompanied for the entire day by a family member or care giver. Assessments in the MDC are performed by a neurologist, geriatric clinical nurse specialist, and neuropsychologist. Evaluations include a comprehensive medical history, physical and neurological exam, functional evaluation, social needs assessment, and neuropsychological testing. Blood work is frequently also obtained on the same day. If CT scan, MRI scan, or other testing is needed, it is generally scheduled on a different day at the patient's and family's convenience.