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Initial evaluation of suspected dementia. Asking the right questions.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Steffens, DC; Morgenlander, JC
Published in: Postgrad Med
October 15, 1999

The initial clinical approach to suspected dementia involves asking the right questions of the patient and a knowledgeable family member or caregiver. These questions should focus on the nature of the cognitive problem (e.g., the onset, duration, and severity of memory difficulties). The clinical interview is supplemented with thorough examination of the patient's physical, neurologic, mental, and functional status. Once a diagnosis of dementia is established, the underlying cause should be identified by a standardized workup, including laboratory testing and, in most cases, neuroimaging. Genetic testing for the APOE epsilon 4 allele can help confirm the diagnosis in patients with late-onset familial or sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Postgrad Med

DOI

ISSN

0032-5481

Publication Date

October 15, 1999

Volume

106

Issue

5

Start / End Page

72 / 83

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Psychological Tests
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Memory Disorders
  • Humans
  • General & Internal Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dementia
  • 4203 Health services and systems
 

Citation

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ICMJE
MLA
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Steffens, D. C., & Morgenlander, J. C. (1999). Initial evaluation of suspected dementia. Asking the right questions. Postgrad Med, 106(5), 72–83. https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.1999.10.15.745
Steffens, D. C., and J. C. Morgenlander. “Initial evaluation of suspected dementia. Asking the right questions.Postgrad Med 106, no. 5 (October 15, 1999): 72–83. https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.1999.10.15.745.
Steffens DC, Morgenlander JC. Initial evaluation of suspected dementia. Asking the right questions. Postgrad Med. 1999 Oct 15;106(5):72–83.
Steffens, D. C., and J. C. Morgenlander. “Initial evaluation of suspected dementia. Asking the right questions.Postgrad Med, vol. 106, no. 5, Oct. 1999, pp. 72–83. Pubmed, doi:10.3810/pgm.1999.10.15.745.
Steffens DC, Morgenlander JC. Initial evaluation of suspected dementia. Asking the right questions. Postgrad Med. 1999 Oct 15;106(5):72–83.

Published In

Postgrad Med

DOI

ISSN

0032-5481

Publication Date

October 15, 1999

Volume

106

Issue

5

Start / End Page

72 / 83

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Psychological Tests
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Memory Disorders
  • Humans
  • General & Internal Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dementia
  • 4203 Health services and systems