Abstract
Objective: Population screening can facilitate early diagnosis of dementia and improve disease management. This study examined the effects of a screening campaign for neurodegenerative disorders on the early diagnosis of dementia using 2-year follow-up data. Methods: A 5-day screening campaign was conducted that comprised neurological, neuropsychological and other specialist examinations. Identification of alterations during the neurological examination was followed-up by further diagnostic examinations to confirm the neurological impairment. Results: Neurological alterations were observed in 39% of the screened subjects, who were mostly diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and referred to a dementia and cognitive disorders centre. Suspicion of neurological impairment was a risk factor for inclusion in a specific neurological ambulatory follow-up and a condition for exemption from payment for medical examinations. Conclusions: Neurodegenerative screening initiatives should include subjects selected by general practitioners. It would be useful to create a network including primary care physicians and cognitive disorder centres. Telemedicine tools (e.g., teleconsulting) could also be used to facilitate early diagnosis.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of International Medical Research |
Volume | 48 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2020 |
Keywords
- dementia
- general practitioner
- mild cognitive impairment
- neurodegenerative disorders
- neuroepidemiology
- prevention
- public health
- Screening campaign
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry, medical