ABSTRACT
This chapter shows the role of classifying and diagnosing as part of the early identification of dementia. Information in the assessment process is obtained by various means. This includes the use of semistructured interviews, which are exploratory, giving people with dementia and their carers time to tell their stories. Assessing holistically can be time consuming and it can be easy, during a busy day and in a busy job which is often task orientated, for assessment to become a process of filling in a form, and for the assessment to become a 'dry' document. G. Smith notes that assessment is driven by the therapeutic relationship and should be person centred, collaborative, and underpinned by effective communication skills. Of course, practitioners are required to know the evidence base and rationale for any assessment tools used; along with assessment skills, practitioners also have to be able to develop a care plan, evaluate care, and coordinate.
