[Before starting... several questions and answers]. / Avant de commencer ... quelques questions et réponses.

In 2002, dementia is more prevalent in the elderly population than a few years ago. However, drugs are now available that can delay the onset of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, with or without vascular components. But to be effective, they require a rapid diagnosis and the management of the patient's problem by the primary care physician. This paper wants to be practical. The author describes how and why the patient and the family seek medical help. The concept of depressive pseudo-dementia is explained. Diagnostic criteria and most common causes of dementia are reviewed. Clinical pointers are discussed to help differentiate between mild cognitive impairment and memory loss indicative of dementia. User-friendly screening tests with their interpretation are suggested for the clinical investigation of the problem. The natural history of Alzheimer's disease and the differential diagnosis are discussed, using frequency and possibilities of intervention as guidelines.