14th February 2025

A 79-year old man with a background of lacunar stroke, polycythaemia rubra vera and hypertension presents to his GP with a 12-month history of gradually progressive forgetfulness.

A 79-year old man with a background of lacunar stroke, polycythaemia rubra vera and hypertension presents to his GP with a 12-month history of gradually progressive forgetfulness. He commonly forgets where he has put things in the house and gets into his car before realising he hasn’t grabbed his keys. He has also been eating poorly and sleeping more than usual. He no longer enjoys going out to play bridge with his friends, which he used to do on a weekly basis.

His GP decides to organise some investigations before referring him to the memory clinic.

Which of the following investigations would least likely help distinguish pseudodementia, dementia and organic cognitive impairment in this case?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.