Referral process

The Dementia Prevention Research Clinics (DPRCs) are seeking to enrol individuals reporting early, mild difficulties with memory and/or other thinking abilities (such as planning, organising, problem-solving). Individuals may meet the criteria for Mild Cognitive Impairment.  These include mild difficulties with memory and/or cognitive functioning, and intact functional abilities, such as completing usual activities of daily living (e.g. driving, managing home and work-related tasks).

Who should you refer for assessment?

We accept referrals from healthcare professionals that meet the entrance criteria below. Our team will inform the healthcare professional of the outcome of the referral. Please note, our clinics are for research purposes only, we do not provide ongoing care and treatment.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Aged over 55 (unless strong family history of dementia)

  • Reported / suspected memory and / or other cognitive difficulties

  • Fluent in English

  • Not living in a long-term care facility

**If an individual meets each of the above criteria, they are eligible to attend the DPRCs**

Exclusion Criteria

  • Dementia

  • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score below 19

  • Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury

  • Psychiatric history (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder)

  • Alcohol / substance abuse / dependence

  • Intellectual disability

  • Known cerebral infarct

  • Pacemaker insertion

  • Significant neurological condition (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, intracerebral tumour)

  • Significant medical co-morbidities

**Individuals will NOT be eligible to attend the DPRCs if ANY of the exclusion criteria are met **

How to make a referral to the Dementia Prevention Research Clinics (DPRCs)

There are two ways to refer a patient to the DPRCs. You will need your patient’s consent before providing information on their behalf.

1. Online

  • Use the DEMENTIA PREVENTION RESEARCH CLINIC online form here on the Brain Research New Zealand website – this is the quickest and easiest way to make a referral.

  • If all relevant information is included in the referral, it will be sent directly to our clinic team.

  • You can attach documents to the referral form e.g. GP letters, specialist advice.

  • Information entered in the form populates a client record. This is then used to support the patient’s assessment.

  • All sections of the form must be completed. This is to ensure efficient triage of referrals.

2. Email or Post Us a Referral form

    • Download a copy of the relevant referral form below.

    • Complete all sections of the form, attached supporting documentation, and send by email or post to the relevant clinical team.

Download

Remember:

  • Providing your contact details is important as our team may contact you if additional information is needed about your patient.

  • Your patient cannot be referred for an assessment unless the correct information is provided.

  • Personal information and documents are retained securely by our clinical team.

Previous

Dunedin
Next

Clinic Volunteers