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?

5. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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 eg Alzheimers’ Society, Carers Bucks
Access to medications to slow the rate of decline
Rule out other causes for memory problems

10. 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

12. Clock Drawing

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. Any questions?