["Memory-clinics" in German-speaking countries]

Abstract

This article gives an evaluation of the organization, diagnostics and offers of therapy from 41 memory-clinics conducted in German-speaking countries and shows that there is no uniform standard for the care of those suffering from dementia. As a result there are problems with quality assurance and financing. The survey shows that Switzerland has the most extensive as well as intensive care program which is also appropriately funded. It is therefore necessary to provide guidelines for defining a uniform quality standard while taking into account the reasons of the various institutes for implementing such departments. It is also essential that these guidelines do justice to the patients and their relatives.