Dementia

This collection features AFP content deemed current by the AFP online medical editor on dementia and related issues, including Alzheimer’s, Binswanger’s type, dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. New research may affect the interpretation and application of this material. Clinical judgment is advised. Note that AFP content published within the past 12 months is accessible to AAFP members and paid subscribers only.

Last Update: 01/03/2012

Overview and Diagnosis Treatment Complications and Special Situations Editorials and Letters

Improving Practice Patient Education, Self-Care Other AFP Content Other Resources from AAFP

Overview and Diagnosis

• Evaluation of Suspected Dementia (10/15/2011)
• Frontotemporal Dementia: A Review for Primary Care Physicians (12/01/2010)
• Dementia With Lewy Bodies: An Emerging Disease (04/01/2006)
• Initial Evaluation of the Patient with Suspected Dementia (05/01/2005)
• Screening for Dementia [Putting Prevention into Practice] (10/01/2004)
• Efficient Identification of Adults with Depression and Dementia (09/15/2004)
• Screening for Dementia: Recommendation and Rationale [U.S. Preventive Services Task Force] (03/15/2004)
• Guidelines for Managing Alzheimer's Disease: Part I. Assessment (06/01/2002)
• Senile Dementia of the Binswanger's Type (12/01/1998)

Treatment

• Antidepressants for Agitation and Psychosis in Patients with Dementia [Cochrane for Clinicians] (01/01/2012)
• Treatment of Alzheimer Disease (06/15/2011)
• AAFP and ACP Release Guideline on Dementia Treatment [Practice Guidelines] (04/15/2008)
• Monitoring Therapy for Patients with Alzheimer's Disease [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries] (06/01/2007)
• Cholinesterase Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease [Cochrane for Clinicians] (09/01/2006)
• Behavior Disorders of Dementia: Recognition and Treatment (02/15/2006)
• Use of Atypical Antipsychotics in Patients with Dementia (06/01/2003)
• Donepezil to Manage Alzheimer Disease: New vs. Standard Dosing [AFP Journal Club] (03/15/2011)
• Memantine (Namenda) for Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease [STEPS] (03/15/2004)
• Gingko Biloba (09/01/2003)

Complications and Special Situations

• AAN Updates Guidelines on Evaluating Driving Risk in Patients with Dementia [Practice Guidelines] (11/01/2010)
• Management of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (09/15/2004)
• Quality of Life in Older Persons with Dementia Living in Nursing Homes [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries] (04/01/2008)
• A Practical Guide to Caring for Caregivers (12/15/2000)
• Caretaker Burnout: Supporting Families of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease [Curbside Consultation] (11/01/1999)

Editorials and Letters

• Preventing Dementia: Is There Hope for Progress? [Editorials] (05/01/2011)
• New Guideline for Treatment of Dementia: Is There Really Anything New? [Editorials] (04/15/2008)
• Executive Function Testing to Diagnose, Subtype Dementias [Letters to the Editor] (01/15/2006)

Improving Practice

• Brief Screening Instruments for Dementia in Primary Care [Point-of-Care Guides] (03/15/2009)
• Predicting Life Expectancy in Patients with Dementia (10/15/2003)

Patient Education, Self-Care

• Alzheimer Disease (06/15/2011)
• Frontotemporal Dementia (12/01/2010)
• Driving and Dementia: What You Should Know (03/15/2006)
• Behavior Problems in a Family Member with Dementia: What You Should Know (02/15/2006)
• Dementia: What Are the Common Signs? (03/01/2003)
• The Signs of Dementia (02/15/2001)
• When You Are the Caregiver (12/15/2000)

From FamilyDoctor.org

AAFP's Patient Education Resource

• Dementia

Other AFP Content

Tips from Other Journals

• Treatment Options for Patients with Mild to Moderate Dementia (10/01/2009)
• Donepexil for Advanced Alzheimer's Dementia (08/15/2006)
• Regular Exercise Reduces Dementia Risk (08/01/2006)

Other Resources from AAFP

• METRIC Geriatric Module