The assessment and management of dementia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

South African family practitioners can expect to contend with rising rates of dementia as the aged segment of the population grows larger and HIV-related neuropsychiatric complications manifest with increasing prevalence. Family practitioners are often the first professional consulted by families concerned with a family member's suspected dementia. This fortunate position facilitates the early identification of cognitive difficulties, which, in turn, greatly increases the likelihood of optimal management. Dementia is best managed with a multidisciplinary-team approach that sees family practitioners fulfilling the role of key support to families and of the coordinators of multidisciplinary referrals and inputs. This article reviews the key diagnostic features of dementia and provides suggestions that may be utilised by physicians in the basic assessment of these features. It concludes with a summary of the most appropriate management plan to be adopted by family practitioners.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)392-395
Number of pages4
JournalSouth African Family Practice
Volume52
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cognitive impairment
  • Dementia
  • Neuropsychiatry

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Family Practice

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