Diagnosis of Dementia: Neuropsychological Test / 가정의학회지

ABSTRACT

Dementia is the syndrome declined the human cognitive function, especially the memory. It is important that each subdomain of cognition must be evaluated in the diagnosis of dementia. The neuropsychological test is needed for proper evaluation of the cognitive state of patients suspected dementia. Because many neuropsychological (NP) tests have been developed and validated in Korea, we have to understand the characteristics and the pros and cons of each test. Clinical Practical Guideline (CPG) for dementia has been developed by clinical research center for dementia since 2007 and NP tests that have been used and validated frequently in Korea was presented in this CPG. As elderly population increases, the more patients have been diagnosed as dementia. Therefore, the primary physician examining and diagnosing the dementia patients have to understand the NP test fundamentally.