title: Early identification of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.
abstract: 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 (1) symptoms that suggest the presence of a dementing disorder and (2) 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.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003693:Delirium / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012657:Self-Help Groups