Dementia screening

Abstract

Objective  To review concepts and dementia screening tools for primary and secondary cares.
Materials and methods A literature reviewed by using key words as screening, dementia and primary in online data resources between 2002 to August 2012.   
Results Dementia has been the first burden disease in aging. Screening for dementia in risk groups i.e., age above 65 years, or age at 40 years with memory problems or other risks. Screening 
tool should be considered 4 aspects such as pragmatic, feasible, age-coverage and psychometric property. There were 3 best primary screening tools for primary care in western countries such as The General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition. In Thailand, there was no efficacy study of dementia screening tool in primary care. For screening tool in secondary care level, there were eight tools such as Alzheimer’s disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Section, Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Both were well known in tertiary hospital practice in Thailand. However, there has not had system of procedure of practice for dementia screening in Thailand yet, it depends on physician’s concern or request. 
Conclusion Dementia screening in target population is beneficial. Screening tool and standard of procedure should be developed for each level of health care in Thailand.