The Cognitive Evaluation of Elderly Individuals in Family Practice

Family Health Centers serve elderly people with a variety of health problems. Family physicians frequently encounter patients with cognitive problems during home visits or outpatient examinations. The view of accompanying person is sought to establish communication and to manage health problems appropriately. Dementia and delirium are common reasons for cognitive problems. During screening of dementia one or more cognitive domains are examined. The Mini Mental State Examination scale should be utilized and family physicians should establish a geriatric assessment if time is available. The Elderly Friendly Family Health Center Instrument is an appropriate tool for home visits and outpatient office and delirium or dementia should be ruled out after examination. Further evaluation needed to be initiated after scoring positive for dementia and delirium. The second part of the Elderly Friendly Family Health Center Instrument should be recommended for this step.