ABSTRACT
A longitudinal prospective investigation of early syndrome cases of dementia was started in 1982. The aims of this study, which has concentrated on a random sample of the community dwelling elderly in Liverpool, are essentially threefold. Primarily, we wish to assist the validity and reliability of early diagnosis of dementia by charting the progress of individuals who are being subject to extensive psychiatric and psychological follow up over a number of years. It is also hoped that identifiable aetiological influences may be isolated by this method. A further aim of the study centres on the systematic exploration of the predictive value of technological investigations such as computed tomography and blood biochemical determinations.
