A practical and useful guideline for early identification of Alzheimer
's disease and related dementias has been developed by the Agency for
Health Care Policy and Research. By using the initial evaluation proce
ss described in. this guideline, primary care physicians can identify
and treat many ''reversible'' causes of memory problems, such as depre
ssion, delirium, and co-morbid medical conditions. The treatable cause
s of dementia may be structural, metabolic, toxic, infectious, nutriti
onal, psychiatric, or drug-related. Initial evaluation, includes patie
nt history, physical examination, mental status testing, functional as
sessment, and some laboratory tests. Information from an informed fami
ly member can, be very helpful in this process.