Table 2 Dementia screen matrix and referral guide
From: A new model for general practice-led, regional, community-based, memory clinics
Tool | Score | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
GP Cog Pt 1 | 9 | 5–8 | 5–8 | < 5 |
GDS | 0–5 | 0–5 | 6–9 | ≥ 10 |
MMSE | ≥ 25 | 21–24 | 21–24 | ≤ 20 |
Interpretation | ||||
Likely outcome | No evident cognitive decline or depression | Possible cognitive impairment or mild dementia, no sign of depression | Possible cognitive impairment or mild dementia, and/or mild depression | Moderate/ severe depression with possibility of underlying moderate to severe dementia |
Actions | Reassure patient and plan to review | Offer referral to geriatrician and arrange further investigations | Offer referral to geriatrician or psycho-geriatrician and arrange further investigations | Offer referral to psycho-geriatrician and arrange further investigations |