Physician Recognition of Cognitive Impairment: Evaluating the Need for Improvement

Abstract

Medical record documentation reflects physician recognition of dementia, yet physicians are aware of, but have not documented, many patients with milder cognitive impairment. Physicians are unaware of cognitive impairment in more than 40% of their cognitively impaired patients. Additional geriatrics training may promote recognition, but systems solutions are needed to improve recognition critical to provision of emerging therapies for early dementia.