Working on behalf of the AMA, Dr. Schwartzberg has also helped develop a variety of educational materials primary care providers can consult for information on managing conditions like alcoholism and dementia in older people. Dr. Schwartzberg has also led the development of guidelines on the use of assistive medical technology for older patients. The fact that so many physicians are willing to change their practice to accommodate older people shows that there is both a need and a willingness to improve care at the primary level. Often, the answer may lie in small things, like the treatment of previously undetected depression, careful testing and follow-up for a urinary tract infection, or adjustment of blood pressure medications. Details like these may determine whether an older person returns home from an office visit, or is compelled to find a facility that provides assistance and care.
Small interventions can make a huge difference.
Positive findings in any of these areas generally indicate the need for further assessment for the presence of dementia. In addition to failure to arrive at the right time for appointments, the clinician can look for difficulty discussing current events in an area of interest and changes in behavior or dress. Explicit criteria for determining potentially inappropriate medication use by the elderly. Jeste DV, et al. Consensus statement on the upcoming crisis in geriatric mental health.