[Diagnosis of dementia]

Abstract

Purpose: The high prevalence of dementia, particularly of Alzheimer's disease, the increase of their incidence with age, and the population aging make this group of diseases a major problem for public health. Nevertheless, diagnosis is difficult because it depends on evolution of disturbances that patients often cannot precisely relate, on complex neuropsychological explorations, and on pathological examination difficult to obtain. Today in France, geriatricians are fully implicated in the diagnosis of dementia and all the physicians who give care to elderly, should lead easily a diagnosis of dementia.

Current knowledge and key points: In February 2000 ANAES (French governmental agency for accreditation and evaluation of health system) published recommendations called "practical recommendations for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease". These recommendations allow physicians to standardize their practices and consist of a rigorous clinical history and examination, a neuropsychological analysis, standard investigations and application of diagnostic criteria already widely diffused and used.

Future prospects and projects: Deepening of knowledge, in particular in the domains of neuropsychology and functional cerebral imagery, should allow physicians to diagnose early dementia. These early diagnosis should allow to initiate a multidisciplinary, preventive and effective care for patients. Specific drugs, that will be available, will be intended mostly for patients with early diagnosis, ideally at a pre-dementia state.