Health of Older People  |  Uncomplicated Dementia Pathway - Uncomplicated Dementia

Uncomplicated dementia is Vascular dementia and/or dementia of the Alzheimers type (link to DSM IV diagnostic criteria for vascular dementia and dementia of the Alzheimers type) associated with Cognitive and/or functional decline, but exhibiting no Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), complex co-morbidities or social issues.

Between 3-11% of people aged over 65 years and around 33% of people aged over 85 years have dementia.

Early dementia offers a key opportunity for primary or secondary prevention of associated conditions which are more difficult to manage at a later stage.  These include falls (risk x9), fragility fractures (risk x4), reduced mobility, vascular health, loss of continence, malnutrition ; eg. all patients should receive a risk assessment for osteoporosis and falls prevention with appropriate intervention

Uncomplicated dementia is usually manageable by the primary healthcare team.

Checklist for Families and People with Dementia (updated)