ABSTRACT
The introduction of diagnostic criteria in the nosology of mental health disorders at the end of 1980s helped health professionals to diagnose dementia in the same way in every country of the world. Comparative studies (at clinical, epidemiological level, etc.) among different countries and cultures became much more reliable and robust. The Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) may consist of doctors, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, social workers, therapists and secretaries. Referral to the CMHT is usually from primary care. The main responsibilities of the CMHT are specialist assessment, investigation and treatment of people in their home setting. The primary care team has the initial responsibility for identifying, assessing and managing mental health problems in older people. The decision to refer to the CMHT is usually made in primary care. Primary care, which has traditionally deferred to specialist provision for diagnosis and management of people with dementia, will need to adopt a more active role.
