Objective: To meet diagnostic needs of dementia, a new care programme was implemented in the county of Kalmar, Sweden. The objective of the study was to analyse whether the programme could identify and diagnose the estimated number of new cases.
Methods: A long-term follow up study on all new patients referred to primary and specialist care between 1999 and 2005 for dementia evaluation. RESULTS; Based on epidemiological data, 153 new cases per year were expected. Using the programme, an average of 127 cases was identified in primary healthcare and 22 at specialist level. Although the number of false-negative cases is not known, it may be concluded that most of the new cases with dementia were identified. The proportion of cases identified doubled after implementing the programme. The programme was implemented within an unchanged budget.
Conclusion: The programme may be of value for diagnosis and management of demented patients in primary healthcare.