Diagnosis of dementia in different care settings: a guide for nurses

Dementia is a syndrome resulting in cognitive function deteriorating more quickly than it normally would in the ageing process. Although it is sometimes diagnosed when people are aged <65 years, the risk of acquiring a dementia is closely associated with increasing and advanced old age. If left undiagnosed, dementia can have a devastating impact on the health outcomes for both the person with dementia and their family carers and supporters. It is important that health professionals working in a range of care settings recognise the signs of a possible dementia and initiate assessment processes. This article discusses recognition and assessment processes across primary care, acute hospital care and care home settings, using illustrative case studies.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

In this article…

• Why it is important to make an early diagnosis of dementia

• How health professionals in different care settings can help with this process

• Assessment tools and methods that are appropriate to different settings

Key points

The risk of acquiring dementia is closely associated with increasing and advanced old age

A diagnosis of dementia made as early as possible enables people to access effective care

Understanding how to initiate an assessment for dementia is essential for all nurses and health professionals

It is important to be familiar with resources that are appropriate to different contexts

Recognition and assessment processes differ across primary care, acute hospital care and care home settings