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Introduction to Dementia

Introduction to Dementia. Rectory Meadow Surgery Dr Vivien Carter. Outline. What exactly is dementia? How can we prevent it? Why and how do we diagnose it? How can we improve what we’re doing?. Dementia at Rectory Meadow. 76 patients diagnosed with dementia

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Introduction to Dementia

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  1. Introduction to Dementia Rectory Meadow Surgery Dr Vivien Carter

  2. Outline • What exactly is dementia? • How can we prevent it? • Why and how do we diagnose it? • How can we improve what we’re doing?

  3. Dementia at Rectory Meadow • 76 patients diagnosed with dementia • National drive to increase diagnosis rates • We’re trying to ensure that everyone who needs a memory assessment gets one • All of us have different types of contacts with patients • Becoming more “dementia friendly” • Premises Audit • Community Safe Place Status • Staff Training • Becoming Dementia Friends

  4. What is dementia? • Loss of memory • Difficulty with • Problem solving • Decision making • Language • Planning

  5. How to prevent dementia? • Don’t smoke • Be active – physically, socially, mentally • Eat a Mediterranean diet • Healthy BMI • Don’t drink excessively • Control diabetes • Control high blood pressure • Control cholesterol • Avoid head injuries “What is good for your heart is also good for your head” • But we can’t control…. • Age • Genetics • Parkinsons disease • Downs syndrome

  6. Why diagnose dementia? • Progressive disease with no cure. But… • Helpful to understand symptoms and accept what is happening • Able to plan for the future – healthcare decisions, legal decisions, work, finances, driving • Access to support services egAlzheimers’ Society, Carers Bucks • Access to medications to slow the rate of decline • Rule out other causes for memory problems

  7. How do we diagnose dementia? • Talk to patient, family members etc • Symptoms • Impact on usual activities • Support • Safety • Ideas, concerns, expectations • Try to rule out other causes e.g. physical illnesses, depression • Formally test memory

  8. Clock Drawing

  9. Memory Clinic • Psychiatrist, specialist nurses, occupational therapists • More detailed memory testing • CT or more detailed brain scanning • Make the diagnosis • Offer support with day to day living • Prescribe medications

  10. Support • Alzheimer's Society – for patients and carers • CPNs, OTs, psychologists in memory clinic • Primary care • Memory aids • Reminiscence • Social interaction • Finances, work • Legal advice • Driving assessments

  11. Medications • For Alzheimer’s and lewy body dementia • Donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, memantine

  12. Any questions?

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