Differential diagnosis of dementia in the field of learning disabilities: a case study.

Assessment for a diagnosis of dementia is hard enough under the best possible conditions. There are possible alternative or concomitant diagnoses, such as depression, to consider. However, when the possible dementia concerns a gentleman with severe learning disabilities and with a severe communicati...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:British Journal of Learning Disabilities Vol. 37; no. 1; pp. 56 - 66
Autores principales: Bell DM, Turnbull A, Bruce Kidd W
Formato: case study tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Mar2009
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Assessment for a diagnosis of dementia is hard enough under the best possible conditions. There are possible alternative or concomitant diagnoses, such as depression, to consider. However, when the possible dementia concerns a gentleman with severe learning disabilities and with a severe communication disorder then this assessment becomes even more difficult. Still more complications may arise from practical pressures such as general changes in health and hence of support needs; changes in support staff; what housing options are available at the time; and what options are or may be available in anticipation of future needs. This brief case-study highlights the difficulties and competing pressures that complicate further just such a differential diagnosis.