Diagnosis and treatment of dementia Who should be assessed? All
healthcare professionals should be attuned to the possibility of
cognitive impairment in the elderly. In particular, complaints
of memory or other cognitive problems should not be attributed
to ‘ageing’ without further evaluation. Often, the problem is
first recognised by family, friends or caregivers. It is unusual
for family members to bring complaints to medical attention when
there is no basis for the complaint (II)(1) The following
patients should therefore receive further evaluation: - a
patient who arouses the healthcare professional’s suspicion of
cognitive impairment during interview (I) - any patient who
complains of a worsening memory or other cognitive symptoms
(unless restricted to naming people) (I) - a patient where the
family or healthcare professional notices difficulties in any of
- remembering appointments - remembering things which happened
recently - recalling conversations - finding the right words -
taking medication accura