Recommendations of the 4th Canadian Consensus Conference on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia (CCCDTD4) re. RPD:
It is suggested that RPD be defined as a dementia which develops within 12 months after the appearance of first cognitive symptoms (Grade 2C).
It is suggested that individuals suspected of RPD be referred to physicians who are experienced and have access to the diagnostic facilities able to mount an organized and comprehensive diagnostic procedure (Grade 2C).
After exclusion of delirium and evident underlying causes of RPD, it is suggested that a diagnostic strategy for RPD be based of the prevalence of causes of RPD in case series (Grade 2B).
The diagnostic strategy should emphasize the detection of potentially curable conditions, such as infections, immune mediated and toxic metabolic causes (Grade 2B).
For individuals with AD, it is suggested that a decline of 3 or more points on the MMSE in 6 months, which identifies a group with a worse prognosis, is a signal to explore co-morbid conditions and review pharmacological management (Grade 2B)