Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians. Early identification of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners 9(2): 85-97
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 1041-2972 PMID: 9287649 Document Number: 257386
This Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians contains highlights from Recognition and Initial Assessment of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, Clinical Practice Guideline No. 19, which was developed by a multidisciplinary panel composed of health care professionals and consumer representatives. The Quick Reference Guide focuses on (a) symptoms that suggest the presence of a dementing disorder and (b) steps to follow in conducting an initial assessment for Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, including use of specific mental and functional status tests on the basis of their efficacy and clinical utility in discriminating early-stage dementia. It also addresses how to interpret test results, the role of neuropsychological testing, and resources for patients and families facing a diagnosis of probable dementia.