The identification and detection of dementia and its correlates in a social services setting: Impact of a national policy in England

Abstract

Dementia continues to be under-recognized, an important issue in many countries. Policy addressing this has focused on the role of general practice-based staff, but dementia represents an area in which closer collaboration between community health and social services can reap benefits. This study examined the impact of a national policy in England, the Single Assessment Process (SAP), introduced across these agencies from April 2004, aimed at improving assessments by the use of shared procedures and assessment tools. Impact was measured in terms of the reliability by which dementia, and associated conditions, were identified and correctly detected in one area’s statutory community care assessments. Recognition of dementia, grooming, toileting and incontinence difficulties were significantly improved after the policy. Depression was an exception. Existing communication difficulties made it more likely that dementia would be identified and correctly recognized. Findings are discussed in terms of more closely involving care managers in detecting dementia.

A survey of physician practices in managing people with dementia in Hong Kong

“…Several studies have already discussed the roles played by primary physicians in caring for PWD and queried their ability to make appropriate diagnoses 3,21,34 . There is no doubt that signs of early dementia are easy to miss or difficult to identify 35 . Most respondents (more than 75%) in our survey identified their roles as making diagnoses, screening, and referring patients to specialists.…”

Organization of out-patient psychiatric care in dementia and cognitive impairment in aged. Part II: Clinical and economic efficacy of memory clinics and Alzheimer’s disease centers

“…На последней ступени до ухода больного из жизни обеспечивается паллиативная помощь в специализированных психиатрических отделениях. Признается [48], что для преодоления проблемы гиподиагностики деменции требуется более тесное сотрудничество медицинских и социальных служб.…”