Memory Disorders Program
georgetown university, washington dc
Clinic Visits:
The Memory Disorders Program utilizes a team approach to provide the best clinical services possible. Our clinical team combines physicians, nurse practitioners, the program coordinator and research assistants. This team approach provides the patient with comprehensive clinical care.
What to Expect:
A first appointment usually takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Typically, the visit will include brief cognitive testing to assess a person’s memory, physical and neurological exams, and a patient history. If recent lab work is not available, or if scans of the brain have not been done in the past, the clinician may order these tests to gain additional information on the patient. Depending on the situation, the clinician may also decide to order additional cognitive testing.
In addition to interviewing the patient, it is important that a family member or friend is also present for an interview. A person with a memory problem may be unable to provide accurate and complete information for clinicians to make an accurate assessment. Having a family member or friend involved in the visit provides our doctors and nurse practitioners with additional information and a context in which to understand what is currently going on in a patient’s life.
Once the lab results have been returned to the clinician, they will provide a diagnosis and discuss follow up options with the patient and their family. Follow-up appointments often occur every 3-4 months. However, it is common for follow-ups to occur every 6 months or annually, depending upon the needs of the patient.
To make an appointment for an evaluation please contact our program coordinator, Carolyn Ward at 202-784-6671.
Before your first visit:
In order to provide patients and their families with the best possible care we need to receive the patient’s medical records prior to their first visit. The record should include notes from the patients most recent physical or physician visit including the patient’s general medical condition, list of medications, recent laboratory results, and reports of CT scans, MRI scans or PET scans of the brain. This information can be faxed to us at (202) 784-4332 or sent via US Postal Service to our administrative office address:
Attn: Carolyn Ward
Dept. of Neurology
Building D, Suite 177,
4000 Reservoir Rd., NW,
Washington, DC 20057
A confirmation letter is sent in advance which includes information on the date, time, and location of the appointment. We see clinic patients in Georgetown University Hospital in the Pasquerilla Health Center on the 7th floor (see MAPS for directions).
Clinical services are available Mondays, Wedensdays and Thursdays.
memory@georgetown.edu| 202-784-6671 | memory.georgetown.edu