Portugal seeks to legalise best practices for MCI

Friday 04 May 2012

In Portugal, a reference document entitled "Therapeutic approach on cognitive changes" has been submitted for approval to the Ministry of Health. The document provides diagnostic criteria for Mild Cognitive Inpairment and procedures that doctors can follow before the first signs of cognitive decline. These are derived from best practices in Europe and the United States. The objective is to have these practices officially approved and included in the Portuguese national health system.

This document was developed by the Ministry's Directorate-General for Health and the Portuguese Medical Association, including input from Alzheimer Portugal's Scientific Committee. Alzheimer Portugal is cited in the report as the reference organisation for support and advice.

Maria do Rosário Zincke Dos Reis, Chairperson of the Board of Alzheimer Portugal, said: "This new norm will allow Portuguese citizens to benefit from the latest means and criteria for diagnosis and treatment; it represents a significant step towards improving the life of people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, including cognitive impairment."