Effect of neurological screening on early dementia detection in southern Italy

• Published in: Journal of international medical research Vol. 48; no. 10; p. 300060520949763
• Main Authors: De Cola, Maria Cristina, Triglia, Giuseppe, Camera, Martina, Corallo, Francesco, Di Cara, Marcella, Bramanti, Placido, Lo Buono, Viviana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.10.2020; Sage Publications Ltd; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Cognition Disorders; Cognitive Dysfunction - diagnosis; Dementia; Dementia - diagnosis; Disease management; Early Diagnosis; Humans; Italy - epidemiology; Medical screening; Neurodegeneration; Neurologic Examination; Neuropsychological Tests; Public health; Retrospective Clinical Research Report; Telemedicine; Italy; general practitioner; dementia; neuroepidemiology; mild cognitive impairment; neurodegenerative disorders; public health; prevention; Screening campaign
• ISSN: 0300-0605; 1473-2300
• DOI: 10.1177/0300060520949763

Objective Population screening can facilitate early diagnosis of dementia and improve disease management. This study examined the effects of a screening campaign for neurodegenerative disorders on the early diagnosis of dementia using 2-year follow-up data. Methods A 5-day screening campaign was conducted that comprised neurological, neuropsychological and other specialist examinations. Identification of alterations during the neurological examination was followed-up by further diagnostic examinations to confirm the neurological impairment. Results Neurological alterations were observed in 39% of the screened subjects, who were mostly diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and referred to a dementia and cognitive disorders centre. Suspicion of neurological impairment was a risk factor for inclusion in a specific neurological ambulatory follow-up and a condition for exemption from payment for medical examinations. Conclusions Neurodegenerative screening initiatives should include subjects selected by general practitioners. It would be useful to create a network including primary care physicians and cognitive disorder centres. Telemedicine tools (e.g., teleconsulting) could also be used to facilitate early diagnosis.