Centre for Policy on Ageing
 

 
Do we need (and use) computed tomography of the brain in every dementia evaluation?
Author(s)Scott T Shreve, Terrie T Wetle, Richard W Besdine
Journal titleJournal of Mental Health and Aging, vol 4, no 4, Winter 1998
Pagespp 435-442
KeywordsDementia ; Symptoms ; Screening.
AnnotationThe clinical utility is explored of three clinical prediction rules for the use of computed tomography of the brain in dementia evaluation: one with "high risk" criteria and two with "low risk" criteria. Secondary analysis was undertaken with 152 people presenting to three centres for outpatient evaluation of possible dementia, and had computed tomography of the brain performed. None of the three prediction rules provided substantial clinical utility in predicting the presence of potentially treatable lesions and decreasing the number of brain imaging procedures recommended. None of the four potentially treatable lesions identified by computed tomography of the brain was considered the primary aetiology of a patient's dementing process. Studies are needed to identify the clinical utility and appropriate application of brain imaging in dementia evaluation using pragmatic outcomes such as change in treatment plan. (RH).
Accession NumberCPA-990318219 A
ClassmarkEA: CT: 3V

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