Cognitive impairment in elderly patients: what to do in primary care?
Gremaud, F.B.; Decrey, H.; Démonet, J.-F.ço.; von Gunten, A.; Büla, C.
Revue Medicale Suisse 9(405): 2029-2033
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1660-9379 PMID: 24308138 Document Number: 664545
In Switzerland, each year there are about 25000 new patients suffering from dementia (one new case every 20 minutes!). Currently, recognition of cognitive impairment and dementia diagnoses remain essentially based on clinical features. For the primary care provider, a 4-step approach based on a) history, b) collateral information provided by a knowledgeable relative, c) a standardized brief cognitive screening instrument, and d) simple laboratory tests will identify most older persons suffering from dementia. Unclear situations benefit from an assessment in a memory clinic.