Full Description
Dementia is hugely underdiagnosed and under-managed partly due to stretched specialist services. Written by a team involved in a pioneering community-based primary care service, this practical book brings together 99 case studies from the frontline in providing early intervention for people seeking help for suspected dementia. Both typical and atypical cases of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are examined, familiarising readers with possible patient scenarios and the recommended management strategies. Useful tools such as example forms for history taking and the use of a modified General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG) equip multidisciplinary teams with the knowledge needed for early identification of dementia. The final chapter sets out key considerations in primary care such as carer support, sharing diagnoses, and forming a dementia-friendly community. The emphasis on collaborative care between the medical and social care provides guidance for post-diagnostic support. This title is available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Contents
Foreword; Preface; 1. Background: primary care in dementia; 1.1 Concepts and practices of task-shifting & task-sharing in dementia care; 1.2 Collaborative care between primary care physicians and specialists: suggested model; 1.3 Overview on dementia: workup, diagnosis, differential diagnoses, and management; 1.4 Lessons learned from 15 years of early intervention service; 1.5 Integrated health and social care: rationales and evidence; 2. Typical Alzheimer's disease; 2.1 Cases illustrative of pathognomonic features; 2.2 Understanding cognitive, functioning, & clinical assessment findings; 2.3 Indications for investigations; 2.4 Complaints about behaviours; 2.5 Normal ageing, MCI, or mild dementia?; 3. Atypical Alzheimer's disease, other dementias, & differential diagnoses; 3.1 When imaging & further observation is needed; 3.2 'Pseudodementia'; 3.3 Alzheimer's or other dementias? When to refer; 4. Useful tools and resources in early intervention service; 4.1 A sample form to facilitate history taking; 4.2 Physical examination and investigation checklist for suspected dementia; 4.3 Sample cognitive and functioning report of an early intervention service; 4.4 Common symptoms reported by carers and persons with suspected dementia; 4.5 Infographic and educational material for explaining dementia diagnosis and management; 5. Take home messages and further readings; 5.1 Advance care planning; 5.2 Carer stress and support; 5.3 Disclosing dementia diagnosis; 5.4 Issues surrounding management; 5.5 Home safety and dementia friendly community; Glossary.
