Various diagnostic tests can be performed at a memory clinic. It‘s therefore necessary to decide:
About
- Whether diagnostic testing is appropriate
- Which tests should be done
When making decisions about diagnostic testing for dementia, the practice guidelines should be followed as closely as possible. The Dutch guidelines are available here. It's also important to inform the patient about the diagnostic tests and/or to involve the patient in decision-making about diagnostic testing. A conversation starter to discussing diagnostic testing with patients at the memory clinic is provided below.
Let the patient know that decisions need to be made about diagnostic testing. Explain that there are various options, and that the choices made will depend partly on the patient’s situation and preferences.
Example: ‘The idea is that we decide (together) which diagnostic tests are best to do in your situation.‘