Initial specialist assessment is needed in suspected dementia

摘要

Brunet highlights the pressure on Herefordshire GPs to increase the number of diagnoses of dementia. As the local memory clinic feels the strain, Herefordshire clinical commissioning group is tryingto ease the bottleneck by encouraging GPs to make the diagnosis themselves. A recent newsletter stated that "adding a diagnosis of dementia does not require a referral to memory clinic, if the diagnosis is clearand treatment would not be beneficial." This is contrary to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines and the specifications forthe "facilitatingtimely diagnosis" enhanced service, which recommend referring patients with suspected dementia for a diagnosis to be made and specialist assessment of the subtype. This can guide possible treatment and enable access to the support and benefits that early recognition is claimed to provide.