Characteristics of patients assessed for cognitive decline in primary healthcare, compared to patients assessed in specialist healthcare
Mona Michelet, Anne Lund, Bjørn Heine Strand, Knut Engedal, Geir Selbæk, Sverre Bergh
Abstract
Post-diagnostic support tailored to patients diagnosed with dementia in primary healthcare should consider their poor cognitive function and limitations in ADL and that these people often live alone, have BPSD and depression.Key pointsPeople diagnosed in Norwegian primary healthcare had more needs than people diagnosed in specialist healthcare. • They were older, less educated, had poorer cognitive functioning and activity limitations, more often lived alone, and had more BPSD and depression. • Depression was associated with being female, older, having cognitive decline, being assessed in primary care and the caregiver experiencing burden • Post diagnostic support for people with dementia should be tailored to the individual's symptoms and needs.