Dementia for the Primary Care Provider

Dementia represents one of the most important and growing public health issues facing society today. Primary care clinics serve a crucial role as the first line of defense in the recognition and treatment of dementia. Increased awareness and treatment of risk factors for dementia are important for lessening disease burden in the population. Diagnostic workup should include screening for medical and nondegenerative causes of cognitive impairment that may be remedial. Treatment approaches should include multimodal approaches to address cognitive decline and behavioral/psychiatric symptoms of dementia in an effort to maximize quality of life for both patients and caregivers.