[Memory problems among elderly patients in general practice: the importance of caregiver information].

INTRODUCTION

The aim was to describe and analyse signs that make caregivers suspect memory problems among elderly patients in general practice.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted in October and November 2002 among all patients aged 65 or older who consulted a GP in a total of 17 practices in Copenhagen inner city. The patients who agreed to participate were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding memory, quality of life, etc. Their GP completed a questionnaire independently, and a MMSE was subsequently given to the patient. Where consent was obtained from a patient, a postal questionnaire regarding the patient's memory was mailed to a caregiver chosen by the patient.

RESULTS

Out of 775 patients 62% (483) gave consent to contact a caregiver. Among the caregivers who received the questionnaire a total of 74% returned the questionnaire. A total of 88 (26%) of the caregivers suspected that the patient had memory problems. Predictors for caregiver suspicion of memory problems were: patient had complained about memory problems to caregiver (OR 21.7), caregiver had received information for other sources that the patient suffered from memory problems (OR 5.0), a MMSE in the interval between 0-24 (OR 4.5) and a low quality of life (OR 3.1). Furthermore, if the patient was male, caregivers were more likely to report memory problems.

CONCLUSION

Memory impairment is commonly observed by caregivers, but is rarely discussed with a GP. The results indicate that more focus on the possibility of memory impairment among elderly patients is important in general practice.