If there are signs of cognitive decline, it is important to consult specialized professionals, so detecting dementia in primary care can be critical to slowing disease progression and loss of autonomy.
In the case of cognitive decline, for example, your progress may be slower.
- As Pastor et al.
- (2003) he argues that delayed diagnosis of dementia has consequences for the quality of life of patients and their families.
- On the other hand.
- The observed symptoms can be the result of a transient disorder.
- Hence the importance of making a good differential diagnosis.
According to the author cited, early diagnosis facilitates the identification of etiology, allowing the treatment of certain reversible dementias, as well as the adoption of pharmacological and behavioral measures with proven effectiveness in maintaining cognitive function.
In addition, it would allow the family to gradually adapt to the new situation. Since change would be brutal, being able to assimilate the disease would also be an opportunity to reduce stress.
“It’s much more important to know which person has the disease than what disease they have. “-Hypocrates-
According to Arenillas et al. (2018), the warning signs we can find can be grouped into cognitive, behavioral/psychological and functional, so the main cognitive symptoms that facilitate the diagnosis of dementia in primary care would be:
The main behavioral or psychological symptoms that facilitate the diagnosis of dementia in primary care would be:
The main functional symptoms that facilitate the diagnosis of dementia in primary care would be:
The first professional to usually care for a person with signs of cognitive impairment is the FAMILY doctor, so at first, when he or she addresses the patient’s complaints, he performs an anamnesis.
In other words, right? Ask the patient and their companions to find out what symptoms they have, in addition to their medical history.
During this interview, your doctor systematically collects data that allows you to develop a pathography of your patient (Redondo, V. 2017). Among other data, the story includes how and when the disease started, how the patient believes it has evolved, whether they have noticed changes in personality and/or behavior, etc.
Therefore, the ultimate goal of this first examination is to perform a diagnostic hypothesis.
According to Pastor et al. (2013) in the Key guide to the detection and early intervention of dementia in primary care (Keys to the detection and early intervention of dementia in primary care, in free translation), the primary care professional should:
In addition, once the primary care professional has done all of the above, he/she must assess the referral of the case to the various specialized services:
The purpose of this referral would be to confirm a certain type of dementia, in these more specific areas tests will also be carried out to facilitate the implementation of the most appropriate treatment.
In conclusion, comprehensive and personalized care is essential for the diagnosis of a disease, in this sense, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary work is very important, especially in situations that can change people’s lives so abruptly.