© The Association for Dementia Studies Dementia, and why it matters. Bernie Coope, Associate Medical Director, WHACT Honorary Senior Lecture, University of Worcester

This presentation What is Dementia? The cost of dementia to the UK Changing demographics The impact on individuals and families Dementia as the most important healthcare issue facing the country. © The Association for Dementia Studies

A definition Dementia is a clinical syndrome of multiple impairments of mental function, sufficiently severe to impact on daily living, that is caused by acquired disease of the brain. It is usually progressive and usually irreversible. “Dementia describes progressive and terminal brain disease.” National Audit Office

Stages of Dementia MildModerateSevere © The Association for Dementia Studies

Cost Cost to the UK more that £17Billion (£1Billion direct NHS Cost National Audit Office report Dementia costs the UK more that heart disease, stroke and cancer combined. Costs are expected to more than double over the next 20 years

Dementia in Society Demographic growth, 3% PA Historically low demand for professional input unless a care need. Less that 1/3 receive a diagnosis, usually late Increased demand for early assessment, driven by greater public awareness and expectation of treatment Reduced availability of traditional carers

Impact of dementia-it’s not all memory Fear of dementia Progressive loss of independence. Low mood Delusions and hallucinations Change in behaviour A major cause of death Carer burden and depression

Brain Disease and Person Centred Care Not everything is a “symptom” of dementia Low mood, aggression, agitation- a response to the environment People with dementia need: An environment that makes sense, familiar people and things. Respect for their individuality and dignity Individual adaptation to the diagnosis, family resilience and skilled care can all support good quality of life.

Dementia and the GP Less than half of GPs feel confident in aspects of dementia care. Most NHS care of people with dementia is done in primary care.

Future presentations Different types of dementia “Dr, there’s something wrong with my memory”- Testing mental function in primary care Making a diagnosis and early intervention Medical treatment for dementia Behaviour that challenges Dementia at the end of life