28.03.11
Dementia checks at 75 urged
The Alzheimer’s Society has suggested the NHS should be routinely offer screening for signs of dementia to all 75-year-olds.
Professor Clive Ballard, the charity's director of research, says getting a diagnosis is fundamental to ensuring the right treatment, support and care.
"Really the only way we're going to improve identification is through effective screening, and probably the right time to do that screening is over the age of 75 once dementia starts to become more common."
But Dr Laurence Buckman, from the British Medical Association, warned of the cost implications for the NHS. Although broadly supportive of early screening, he argued: “It takes an hour to do an assessment, during which time five other patients could have been seen.
“In the current economic climate, when the NHS is being asked to make huge efficiency savings and there are many equally valid competing demands, patients and the public need to have a debate over which services should be prioritised."
The society’s proposals include the offer of a cognitive test at the GP surgery, with questions on time, date, place, memory and understanding, which would then be backed up by an interview with a relative or carer.
Where dementia is suspected patients would be referred to a specialist for a full clinical assessment. If they were then diagnosed with dementia, there may be drug treatment and changes in lifestyle that could help delay deterioration, and would allow an opportunity to plan ahead.
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