Case management beneficial for people with dementia

There was some evidence to suggest admissions to care homes and overall healthcare costs were reduced in the medium term (12 months); however, the results at longer points of follow-up were uncertain. There was not enough evidence to clearly assess whether case management could delay institutionalisation in care homes. There were uncertain results for patient depression, functional abilities and cognition. All but 3 of the RCTs had a duration of 12 months or more, but only 6 trials lasted 18 months or more. The studies included in this review came from a variety of countries and contexts: the US, Canada, Finland, Netherlands, Hong Kong, India and the UK; and from primary care practices, dementia resource centres, memory clinics, outpatient clinics and day centres.