Who diagnoses dementia?
Without a diagnosis prior to admission, investigations may be commenced in hospital. However, it will take longer than the duration of an acute admission to come to any conclusions regarding a person’s cognitive status. A referral to an appropriate service for follow-up post discharge is essential because there are benefits to early diagnosis. Discharge correspondence with the General Practitioner (GP) is important when memory and thinking difficulties are identified during an admission. This may include results of dementia or delirium screening performed whilst an inpatient. The GP will provide ongoing primary care for the patient and will direct or coordinate the process of diagnosis and management.
