Dementia-like Symptoms Dementia and Aging There are approximately 5.1 million Americans 65 years and older with dementia. 1 in 8 persons 65 and over and nearly 50% of all persons over the age of 85 have some type of dementia. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the third most expensive disease after cardiovascular disease and cancer. Diagnostic Approach Memory Concern Affecting Daily Life (Positive Screen) Mini-Cog and Clock Drawing Screen Unclear or No Obvious Deficits Cognitive Deficit Present Consider Neuropsychological Testing Assess for Potentially Reversible Causes: H & P Laboratory Testing Medication Review Potentially Reversible Condition Present (including Depression & Delirium) No Potentially Reversible Condition Present No or Partial Improvement Treat and Reassess DEMENTIA Reversible Causes of Dementia-like Symptoms D -- Drugs E -- Emotional (Depression) M --Metabolic (CHF, COPD, CRF) E -- Endocrine (Hypothyroid, Hyperparathyroid) N -- Nutrition (B-12, Malnutrition) T -- Trauma I -- Infection (Fungus, TB, UTI) A-- Arterial (Vascular) Accessed at: www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/.../Evaluating%20Dementia%20- %20Dr.%20Cefalu.pdf References: Feil, D.G., MacLean, K. and D. Saltzer (2007) “Quality Indicators for the Care of Dementia in Vulnerable Elders.”JAGS(55): 5293-5301. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) National Alzheimer’s Association 2009 Facts and Figures Aging Q3 is funded by the D.W. Reynolds Foundation