Cognitive screening in the primary care setting. The role of physicians at the first point of entry.

Full Abstract

There are many reasons why it is important to conduct the cognitive assessment and arrive at a preliminary diagnosis within the primary care setting. In addition to starting the patient on anti-cholinesterase medications, the physician must discuss with the family (and often the patient) issues related to financial matters and self-care. Alzheimer's patients who live alone may be targets for financial and personal exploitation, and are at risk for self-neglect. Community support or provision might be needed to assist with medication compliance, provide nutritional services by shopping for prepared foods or through Meals on Wheels, housekeeping to maintain cleanliness, adult day services to provide social and recreational activities, live-in companions, and assistance with other instrumental activities of daily living. Sometimes more structured or institutional living is necessary. Generally, the primary care practice is not set up to coordinate these additional services, as well as to provide ongoing care. We will discuss potential solutions to providing ongoing care in next month's column.

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Author information

Author/s: Finkel, Sanford I (SI);

Affiliation: Schanfield Research Institute, Geriatric Institute, Council for Jewish Elderly, University of Chicago Medical School, Chicago, IL, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Case Reports; Journal Article

Journal: Geriatrics (Geriatrics), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Jun; vol 58 (issue 6) : pp 43-4

Dates: Created 2003/06/19; Completed 2003/06/24; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12813873, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Alzheimer Disease - diagnosis
Dementia - diagnosis
Female

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