Diagnosis and Treatment of the Elderly

A. Overall intellectual functioning is important to evaluate

One can estimate client's premorbid intelligence and compare current findings to it, to see
if there is significant decline in cognition. If premorbid functioning is average or above
and current functioning is only slightly lower, consistent with normal aging, there is
usually no need for diagnostic or level of care changes. The diagnosis of age related &
cognitive decline can be applied if normative changes start affecting the client's ability to
function independently. The degree of overall decline will determine the appropriate level
of care and supervision.

B. Activities of Daily Living

Activities of daily living as practical reflection of overall cognition are usually a crucial
part of diagnosis and treatment planning. Almost all diagnoses include the criterion
stating that the deficits cause significant impairment in social or occupational
functioning. Their importance for treatment planning and level of care is self evident.
Usually, you will find out about these during the interview with the client or current
caregiver.