Approach to the forgetful patient
Singapore medical journal
;
: 121-125, 2018.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-687498
ABSTRACT
Singapore has an ageing population with a projected 53,000 people aged ≥ 60 years living with dementia by 2020. Primary care doctors have the opportunity to initiate early work-up for reversible causes of cognitive dysfunction, allowing identification of comorbidities and discussion of medical therapy options. Early diagnosis confers the sick role on the patient, which allays frustration and explains events and behaviour that may have strained relationships with family and friends. The patient can be encouraged to plan for future health and personal care options with a Lasting Power of Attorney and/or Advance Care Planning. Objective cognitive tests (e.g. abbreviated mental test and Mini-Mental State Examination) and brain imaging are adjuncts that help in formulating the diagnosis. Referral to a hospital memory clinic activates a multidisciplinary team approach to dementia, including clinical consultation, dementia counselling, physiotherapy sessions on gait/fall prevention, occupational therapy sessions on cognitive stimulation and caregiver training.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Referral and Consultation
/
Singapore
/
Therapeutics
/
Brain
/
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
/
Epidemiology
/
Caregivers
/
Cognition
/
Dementia
/
Interdisciplinary Communication
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Screening study
Limits:
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Singapore medical journal
Year:
2018
Type:
Article
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