Computerized data base for evaluation and follow-up of demented outpatients.

In the course of evaluating and following more than 600 geriatric outpatients referred to a subspecialty clinic because of cognitive impairment, standardized computer-compatible evaluation and follow-up forms were developed, as well as a computerized data base. The forms cover medical, neurologic, psychiatric, psychometric, and clinical laboratory examinations; they help health professionals to perform thorough, standardized, and efficient examinations focused on those characteristics relevant to dementias. The computerized data base facilitates follow-up and other clinical studies. This article presents both the forms and their translation into query-language terminology.