It has been found in a recent report that dementia should be detected by families at early stage as sometimes even doctors are fooled that patient is alright. First National Alzheimer's Plan is now being forced by health specialists to conquer the obstacles that occur in early detection of the disease.

According to the report, sufferers of dementia are generally found to cover lapses early on, and therefore doctors as well as family members get it wrong that they are fine. Also, sometimes dementia patients are balanced by their spouses, which allows possibility of misconception amongst doctors that patient is doing well.

It has been said by Dr. Laurel Coleman, a geriatric physician at Maine Medical Center, and by various other specialists, that family input is widely important in detecting whether the family member is suffering from dementia. They have been calling for dementia-capable primary care as well as more screenings for warning signs so that it may be determined whether or not a person is a patient of dementia.

In addition, they have also been urging for daily physical and mental health of checks of caregivers themselves so as to leave no option of missing the chance to detect the disease. This is so because of the example shown by Dr. Coleman of his mother. He told that his mom is asked about her well being by doctors and she answers that she is fine while she actually is not. The doctor does not ask anything further, which is not a sign of dementia-aware primary care, he said.

“It happens in doctors' offices all the time. That's why it's crucial that family members are part of the screening process”, said Beth Kallmyer, vice-president of constituent services at the Alzheimer's Association. The report concludes that involvement of family members during screening of patients is necessary and should be made compulsory.

Source: Top News US