Services for people with incipient dementia

Abstract

The chapter provides an overview of services and approaches, identifiably focussed on people in the very early, often largely asymptomatic stages of the illness. We analyse current debates on the feasibility and desirability of early diagnosis, what impacts various approaches may have (including potential unintended consequences), the role of various sectors specifically for this pathologically silent stratum (eg the voluntary and charitable sectors), particular therapeutic approaches (eg cognitive stimulation therapy, general health and lifestyle advice, etc) and how this group does or does not fit in care pathways.