Suggested Pre-Referral Evaluation and Management Guidelines
Consider depression, delirium, and medication effects.
Assess living situation (medication compliance, financial management, driving safety, nutrition, behavior, caregiver stress).
Are there focal neurological findings or a gait disturbance?
Suggested Additional Test/Management Prior to Specialty Visit
Routine dementia evaluation: CBC, FTA, TSH, B12, chemistry profile including renal and liver function tests, brain imaging with CT or MRI (latter if age <55, rapid progression, focal findings, gait disturbance, prominent behavioral disturbance, h/o cerebrovascular disease)
Patient Education/Information (includes preps)
Provide safety education about wandering, cooking, driving, etc.