An Approach to Assessing Dementia: Investigations suitable for use in the family physician's office

Early tell-tale signs of dementia may not be manifest or recognized as significant by the patient or the physician. Often a spouse, relative, or someone close to the patient recognizes changes over time. While it might be argued that little is lost if the cause is irreversible, a small but significant number of cases have reversible causes and suffering can be alleviated. The recommendations of the Canadian Consensus Conference on the Assessment of Dementia take into account the family physician's perspective. This article looks at applications in the office setting.