Global Deterioration Scale (GDS / Reisberg)
Seven-stage cognitive staging of Alzheimer-type dementia (Reisberg 1982). Companion to FAST. Drives counselling and care-planning.
Score interpretation
→ Reassure. Encourage cognitive engagement, exercise, vascular risk-factor management.
→ Memory-clinic assessment with structured testing (MoCA, ACE-III). Address reversible factors (B12, TFTs, depression, drugs). Discuss prognosis.
→ Cholinesterase inhibitor (NICE TA217). DVLA notification. Lasting Power of Attorney. Carer support. Address BPSD non-pharmacologically.
→ Palliative-focused care; comfort feeding (NICE NG97); PAINAD for pain assessment; advance care planning honoured; review hospitalisation appropriateness; family support and bereavement preparation.
Interpretation bands for the GDS-Reisberg. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Donepezil · Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) — dementia
- Memantine · NMDA receptor antagonist — dementia
- Rivastigmine · Dual AChEI and BuChEI inhibitor — dementia
- Quetiapine (Elderly — Dementia Caution) · Atypical Antipsychotic
- Memantine · NMDA Receptor Antagonist — Dementia
- Rivastigmine · Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor — Dementia
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Delirium Outside ICU · NICE CG103
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) · BGS / NICE
- Delirium Assessment and Management · NICE CG103 2010
- Frailty Recognition and Management · BGS Frailty Framework / NHS NHSE
- Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation · STOPP/START v2 2014 / NICE NG5
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.