[The geriatric team in the memory clinic]

Abstract

The early and differential diagnosis of senile dementia is still a problem. The work of a multiprofessional team in the Memory Clinic Essen is reviewed. the combination of qualifications of the team corresponds with the diagnostic algorithms of DMS-III R and ICD 10. Members of the team are a geriatrician, a psychiatrist, a geragoque, and a psychologist. Every specialist examines the patient using his specialized method. The results are discussed in a diagnostic conference. Out of the different methods and views of the specialists a comprehensive image of the patient takes shape and allows a better understanding of the dementia.