Comprehensive Evaluation:
The Upper Michigan Memory Diagnostic Center is under the medical direction of Board Certified neurologist Roman Politi, MD, of Neurology Associates of Marquette and on staff at Marquette General Hospital. Dr. Politi offers memory center clinics in both Ishpeming and Marquette.

The diagnostic process
There is no one single diagnostic test that can detect if a person has Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. The Memory Diagnostic Center follows an internationally recognized protocol for making the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, or reversible causes of memory impairment.

The evaluation process typically involves the following:

The patient will have a total of two appointments. During the first appointment, the patient is seen by Chris Erbisch, OT and the following evaluations are completed:

* Home Safety Screen - a "hands-on" test to determine a patient's ability to identify and safely correct potential hazards in a kitchen area including: electrical, fall risks, sharps, water and heat elements, both overt and covert dangers.
* Cognitive Leather Lacing Test - a standardized tool developed by Claudia Allen, MA, OTR, FAOTA, to determine concentration, learning, and problem solving skills. Based on a theory of 6 basic levels of cognitive functioning known widely in the Occupational Therapy profession.
* Cognitive Performance Test - a standardized tool to test routine daily living tasks that correspond to the Allen Cognitive Levels.
* Cognistat - a standardized evaluation to provide a basic cognitive profile including tests for Orientation, Language, Visual Construction, Memory, Calculation, & Reasoning.
* Mini Mental Status Exam - the well known Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc. test for determining cognitive abilities, often still required by insurance companies. Less sensitive than the Cognistat.
* A summary - of problem areas and suggestions for supervision, assistance, and possible changes needed to provide the safest living situation for the dementia patient.

Types of Recommendations Provided

* Amount of supervision the patient needs such as daily checks or 24-hour supervision.
* Activities the patient should continue to perform or be encouraged to perform.
* Types of verbal or physical assistance or guidance the caregiver should provide.
* Safety concerns that should be addressed, such as driving, cooking, machinery use, community involvement, or employment.
* Possible activities to help maintain level of function.

Marquette General Health System Memory Diagnostic Center
Voice: 225-3405
1-800-562-9753 ext. 3405
Julie Kemp-Havican
Project Coordinator, U.P. Memory Project
e-mail