Timely recognition of dementia: community nurses' crucial roles

Abstract

This article aims to show that community nurses are well placed to recognize the early symptoms of dementia. It identifies the three main ways in which community nurses can assess changes in cognition, and how the community nurse can work with the GP and other family members to provide a seamless service to this vulnerable group. Special focus is given to the sensitivity with which nurses can guide the older person through the stages of recognition and diagnosis of the condition and subsequent after-care.