Early-stage diagnosis of cognitive disorders as a dementia risk-reducing factor in older adults: opportunities and resources

Abstract

The article provides an analysis of underlying problems in diagnosing a cognitive decline and dementia in the early stages among older adults. The reasons for postponing the treatment of patients with cognitive impairment to specialized specialists examined. Indications given of the macrosocial (stigmatization of mental disorders in general and dementia in society particularly, costs of the period until the deinstitutionalization of psychiatry), microsocial (psychological structure in the family) aspects of postponing treatment to a psychiatrist. Using the experience of Moscow memory clinics the principles of psychoeducation implementation described as well as the mechanisms of interaction between psychiatrists and general practitioners analyzed.