Via practica 7-8/2006

IMPROVEMENT OF DIAGNOSTICS OF DEMENTIA IN PRIMARY CARE

Dementia is progressive deterioration in intellectual function and other cognitive skills, leading to decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living. the prevalence of dementia increases exponentially with increasing age of population. the most common occuring alzheimer‘s diseases is the most basic underlying cause of death. this diagnosis is underestimated, either from a lack of interest of our physicians or from diminishing of the significance from the patient or his family. Scientific knowledge in this area have progressed and will have a positive influence on this disease. the diagnosis and the treatment will improve the quality of life of patients and their caretakers.

Keywords: dementia, cognitive skills, SMMSe.