Diagnosis and management of dementia in general practice.
BACKGROUND
The assessment and management of dementia has changed in the past 5 years with the introduction of new drugs to combat dementia. In addition, services available for patients with dementia and the means of accessing these services is constantly changing.


OBJECTIVE
This article discusses the assessment and management of dementia using two case studies. The case studies raise issues about screening and accessing the new drugs for a patient with early dementia, care planning, and the involvement of the carer for a patient with more advanced disease.


CONCLUSIONS
As the population ages, dementia is an increasingly important part of general practice. It is important general practitioners are aware of early detection issues, and understand basic screening as well as the possibility of accessing new treatments and community management for patients with dementia.
Pond
Dimity
D
Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, Practice and Popualtion Health, University of Newcastle, New South Wales. dimity.pond@newcastle.edu.au
Brodaty
Henry
H
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors