[Summary of Dutch College of General Practitioners' (NHG) practice guideline 'Dementia']

Abstract

- Dementia is a clinical diagnosis which a general practitioner can either make him/herself or by specific referral.- If no abnormalities are found on further clinical investigations by the GP, the risk of missing a treatable cause of dementia is very small; therefore routine imaging examinations are not necessary.- GPs are not recommended to prescribe cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine. - The implementation of various psycho-social interventions has a positive effect on patients and their home carers and can postpone admission to a nursing home. - Dementia care requires working agreements and collaboration amongst local care providers.