ABSTRACT
References 53
All people presenting with apparent dementia should have a comprehensive assessment which identifies any potentially treatable physical or psychiatric causes, or co-morbid conditions, identifies psychosocial needs so support can be planned for the patient and carer, and establishes a diagnosis so symptomatic pharmacological treatments can be offered (Burns and Illiffe, 2009). Patients and carers often value a diagnosis even if no treatments are available as it can help with coping strategies for managing distressing and inexplicable symptoms. It also allows for a discussion about prognosis which enables plans to be made for anticipated future care needs. This chapter discusses the diagnostic assessment for a person presenting with apparent dementia.
