Managing the Forgetful Patient: Best Practice for Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

The primary care physician is well positioned to identify and treat patients with cognitive impairment (CI). Simple, validated tools can screen for CI in the office. Identifying the type of dementia and stage of the disease helps to guide care. A thorough history, medication review, physical examination, laboratory workup, and imaging studies can help identify specific causes contributing to memory loss. A patient-centered, multidisciplinary team approach includes nonpharmacological and pharmacologic treatments. Patient safety and preservation of functional status should be at the forefront of caring for the forgetful patient.

Keywords: Cognitive impairment; Dementia; Primary care.