Discussion of memory during primary care visits of older adults with cognitive impairment and accompanying family.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Cognitive impairment is underdiagnosed in primary care. Understanding factors that precipitate memory-related discussion could inform strategies to improve diagnosis and counseling. We assessed whether: 1) having a cognitive impairment or dementia diagnosis, 2) ratings of cognition by clinicians, or 3) ratings of cognition by family companions were associated with memory-related discussion during primary care visits.

Methods

We examined audio-recorded primary care visits of cognitively impaired patients aged 65 years and older, family companions (n = 93 dyads), and clinicians (n = 14). Cognitive impairment and dementia diagnoses were extracted from the electronic health record. Clinicians and family rated patient cognition on a 10-point scale in postvisit surveys.

SUBMITTER: Aufill J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6954826 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature