Managing the Forgetful Patient Best Practice for Cognitive Impairment

The optimal care of the forgetful patient in the primary care office involves a team approach to ensure safety and to improve the quality of life for the patient and caregiver. The initial workup and diagnosis of memory loss includes a thorough history, medication review, physical examination, laboratory testing, and appropriate imaging. The PCP must monitor the patient as the disease progresses to determine the resources required to ensure that the patient's needs are met. Treatment should focus on pharmacologic and nonpharmacological therapy.

Automated summary

Optimal care for forgetful patients in primary care involves a team approach to ensure safety and quality of life, with initial diagnosis including thorough history, medication review, physical examination, and appropriate testing. Treatment focuses on pharmacologic and nonpharmacological therapy, with monitoring to determine necessary resources as the disease progresses.