Recognition and assessment of dementia in primary care. (2nd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harrison-Dening, Karen
• Is Part Of: Practice nursing. Volume 30:Number 9(2019)
• Page Start: 438
• Page End: 443
• Publication Date: 2019-09-02
• Subjects: Dementia -- Primary care -- Community nursing -- Assessment -- Referral pathways; Nursing -- Practice -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 610.730941
• DOI: 10.12968/pnur.2019.30.9.438
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-9271

Abstract

Abstract : While patients diagnosed with dementia will require management from specialist neurology clinics, practice nurses play an important role in their health.Karen Harrison-Dening explains what assessment tools are available for patients with particular health needs The majority of patients are diagnosed in a memory assessment service or a neurology clinic. However, early detection of a possible dementia is often done in a primary care setting. Dementia diagnosis has been seen by some as a 'tick-box exercise' but there are significant benefits to patients and their families when screening or testing for dementia is carried out early, especially in supporting the patients management of other comorbid or long-term conditions. Nurses working in primary care have a key role in identifying patients who may have the signs and symptoms of dementia by enabling them to access a timely diagnosis.