[Dementia syndromes in the elderly: diagnostic procedures].

Dementia is a deterioration in several cognitive functions that affects daily living and is observed in the absence of impaired vigilance. Dementia may be revealed by symptoms of memory loss but also by a loss of functional autonomy, onset of depression or by behavioral problems; it may also be recognized during a screening examination. Evaluation of cognitive functions is an essential stage of this diagnosis. Simple tests that any physician can perform provide a first approach. A more detailed cognitive evaluation by a specialist or neuropsychologist is then necessary (except in advanced cases). Once dementia is diagnosed, a causal investigation is required to assess its severity and extent, in order to organize management. Lack of recognition of dementia in the elderly and delay in its diagnosis raise the question of screening to detect it at an earlier stage.