Detection of dementia is usually a two-step procedure, consisting of screening and application of diagnostic instruments. Screening has to be done on the background of fears for stigma and loss of autonomy.

There are many screening instruments available for the detection of dementia. However, they were not tested in very old age and often not in the primary care setting for which they are developed. We present results of a study in primary care, where we tested which elements of common tests (MMSE, TFDD, DEMTECT, Clock Test…) would be best for this age group. All available screenings showed a good effect size of >0.70.

For the application of further diagnostic tools an update of the current guidelines is given and compared to the available evidence regarding guideline implementation. As far as possible, results of an ongoing study in Switzerland will be presented.