P3-057: Data from the first year of a new outpatient dementia center

In 11/06, the Banner Alzheimer's Institute (BAI) opened its Memory Disorders Center (MDC) in Phoenix, Arizona. This is the first new outpatient center focusing on diagnosis and treatment of dementia in the city, the fifth largest in the United States, with a rapidly growing elderly population. The MDC was developed as a center of excellence for dementia care and secondarily as a strategic investment to stimulate research referrals to clinical trials. The Clinic is staffed by 2 physicians and a physician assistant. Patients meet with Family and Community Services (FCS) staff (masters or doctorate trained nurse or social worker) for counseling, education, referral services and a support system to meet needs ranging from health and nutrition to legal and transportation issues. This program represents another strategic investment in the success of the clinical model. Data from the 2007 calendar year are reviewed. In 2007, there were 370 new patient evaluations, 584 follow-up visits, and 270 FCS visits. Most referrals were from health related providers (55%); others resulted from free media (11%), paid advertising (10%), personal contacts (7%), website (6 %) and other sources (11%). The geographic distribution of patients was relatively even throughout the greater metropolitan area. Traditional Medicare accounted for 58% of patients. Probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) was diagnosed in 59% of new patients, and 11% with possible AD. Thirty-three patients were enrolled into AD clinical trials in 2007. The MDC experienced rapid volume growth as predicted, indicating an unmet need. The high FCS utilization rate confirms its value to patients and families. Health related personnel including primary care physicians and other health professionals were the most common referral source. Future goals include doubling the patient volume annually, achieving more minority referrals, and increasing research referral volume to address the overarching goal of enhanced clinical trials volume.