ABSTRACT
Early detection of dementia and in particular of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is becoming more important with the development of efficient therapeutic strategies. Aprecise diagnosis at an early stage may give the patient time to come to terms with the disease, to plan the future, and to start treatment when global functioning can still be maintained over a period of time. Assessment of early dementia in clinical practice is complex and usually requires the following steps:
Establishing that dementia is present and excluding other possible explanations for symptoms and behavior
Determining the type or cause of dementia and the likely prognosis
Determining the patient’s current level of disablement in daily living, including the effects of co-morbidity
Assessing all the resources available
Establishing a management plan adapted to the specific needs of patient and family
