IS MY MOTHER GETTING DEMENTIAL?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: As a reflex of Medicine development and of the improvement in health care availability, the elder represent a major part of the health care population, particularly among primary attention. Diseases that usually present typical signs/symptoms are frequently less obvious in these ages and pass unnoticed. Therefore, these unspecific manifestations may result in a clinic’s devaluation, contributing to a worsening of the elder's general state. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Female, 80 years old, born and resident in Olhão, widow, with one daughter with whom she lives. Autonomous for daily activities. The patient went to her Family Physician (FP) in April 2015 with her daughter, who explained a four days evolution of confusion manifestations (apathy, inadequate behaviour, inappropriate laughter) anorexia and a subfebrile temperature. The patient did not show self-perception of this acute cognitive decline, but her daughter expressed concern with the possibility of a demential disease progression. A chest radiography (no alterations) and an urine test (positive for leucocytes and nitrites) were performed. The patient was prescribed empiric therapy, with an uruculture analysis for posterior reevaluation. By that time, the patient had return to her usual humour and her daughter was tranquillised. Advanced age constitutes a risk factor of comorbidities’ development, which may contribute to a higher vulnerable state and to a lesser capacity in functional and cognitive preservation. Consequently, the FP is in a privileged position for supplying explanations and attempted interventions, lowering the negative repercussions in the ageing process and in the family anxiety.