International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

Key Points All groups comprising patients with severe dementia had caregivers who escorted the patients at the time of the consultation; compared to the other groups, the proportion of family members living with the patient was significantly higher. This means that the role of family members significantly encourages consultation behavior for those in the severe group. More than 80% of the patients in groups with severe dementia had a family doctor. Providing support before specialist medical care in cooperation with the family doctor is essential. The following three background factors contribute toward dementia not becoming apparent: non-existence, which indicates minimal social interaction or other…