Diagnosis and management in dementia – recommendations

The diagnosis of dementia and further management of patients are based on the latest recommendations developed by European and global organisations dealing with the diagnosis and standards of treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Using useful and practical diagnostic methods, as well as the results of the latest additional tests and differential tools, a modern approach allows for a relatively quick diagnosis and implementation of recommended treatment. In addition to dementia in the course of Alzheimer’s disease, the paper presents recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of other diseases including vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, dementia in Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and atypical parkinsonisms. Particular attention is given to the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and the possibilities of diagnosis and treatment of this phase, not only in a specialised medical practice. The article discusses the principles of procognitive pharmacological management in dementia and in the case of neuropsychiatric problems: psychotic, behavioural, and mood disorders. The importance of non-pharmacological management, primarily diet and cognitive stimulation, is also highlighted. Patient care requires close cooperation between the doctor and the caregiver, who is as important as the patient, and satisfying the caregiver’s needs is a guarantee of better care for the patient. Specifically, caregivers should be supported in handling their medical, legal, and psychological problems resulting from the burden of caring for the patient.