Possibilities and limitations in the management of patients with cognitive deficits and dementia - the perceptions of general practitioners

What is the reality of provision of health care to patients with cognitive impairment and dementia in general practice? This paper provides selected results of an explorative study and discusses them against the background of the scientific literature. Due to the fact that a standard for diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia in general practice is lacking, underdiagnosis is hard to demonstrate. On the other hand the explorative study as well as the literature provides an insight into other constraints for diagnosis, e. g. cognitive deficits appear to be a taboo in doctor-patient-communication. Concerning the management of dementia, external services such as specialised advisory boards or self-help-groups are involved too seldom by the general practitioners.