Abstract
Many moderately to severely demented, ambulant patients whose behaviour is not grossly disturbed can be managed satisfactorily and economically in small units in the community by non-professional staff. Unsuitable candidates can be excluded by making a thorough preliminary assessment which may also lead to the diagnosis of potentially treatable dementias and other disorders. Senile dementia progresses relatively slowly in physically fit, eighty year old female patients and the majority may require more than two years of institutional care.