Caring for Patients with Dementia

Guest: Ericka E. Tung, M.D.

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

The topic of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias was discussed along with the importance of providing care of the patient’s care-givers by Dr. Ericka Tung, a geriatrician in the Division of Community Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic. Specific topics discussed include:

• Common symptoms seen in early dementia.
• Mild cognitive impairment and its progression to dementia.
• Importance of stability of lifestyle in the life of patients with dementia.
• Discussing the diagnosis of dementia with the patient and family.
• Using a mental status exam in the evaluation of patients with suspected dementia.
• Establishing a diagnosis in patients with early dementia.
• The role of formal psychological testing in patients with suspected dementia.
• The needs of care-givers of dementia patients.
• Importance of respite care for the care-givers of dementia patients.
• Evaluating driving skills in patients with early dementia.
• Advanced care planning for dementia patients.

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