1. Produced by Wessex LMCs
Dementia
Produced by Wessex LMCs
in partnership with:
Wessex AHSN
Dr Nicola Decker, GP
Alzheimer’s Society

2. Contents:
Why are we here?
Understanding Dementia
The Brain
Symptoms – four main dementias
Case Studies
Models
Visual problems
Communication
Further Resources
Questions

3. This is designed as an interactive session to use in general practice to increase the understanding of a condition that affects many of your patients and has a significant impact on their family.

4. Becoming a……… Dementia Friendly Practice

5. Figures 1 in 14 people over 65 have dementia.
1 in 6 people aged 80 and over have dementia.
850,000 people live with dementia in the UK today. 
20,000 people living with dementia in Hants
108 diagnosed at Oakley Surgery
Scrutiny committee report

6. Facts Two thirds of people with dementia are women
At end of life, one third of people will have dementia
Dementia is most common in older people but younger people (under 65) can get it too.
40-64 years: 1 in 1,400
65-69 years: 1 in 100
70-79 years: 1 in 25
80+ years: 1 in 6

28. Case Studies

33. Small Changes…… Big Differences…..
Make sure all health-care staff know whether a patient has dementia before they are seen
Remember! People living with dementia may need a longer appointment
Don’t let people with dementia fall out of the system if they don’t keep appointments NB! If someone without a dementia diagnosis repeatedly forgets to attend appointments, it may be a sign that they should be screened
If possible, send appointment reminders to both patient and carer
Where appropriate, include family carers in decision making
Ensure family members have copies of relevant documents – letters, monitoring equipment, appointments, changes to medication etc
Continuity of care is very important to the person with dementia – it is better to be seen by the same health-care professional on each visit
This information has been collated from the summary of findings from some research at Bradford Uni.

40. Communication Before you speak When you speak What to say Listening
Body Language and Physical Contact

41. Perceptions of what life is like for people with dementia…
58% thought quality of life was fairly bad or very bad
52% thought that care provided was fairly bad or very bad
61% thought inclusion in communities was fairly bad or very bad
YouGov survey 2011

42. People with dementia feel that their community could help by:
Better understanding of dementia and less social stigma
More public awareness of the condition
More local activities and opportunities to socialise
More tolerance and patience from others
More community spirit
Source: Alzheimer’s Society Dementia 2012 Report

43. NHS Commitment to raising awareness
Awareness – understanding symptoms, recognising signs, challenging behaviour;
Knowledge of the condition – types of dementia, differences between dementia, delirium, depression etc.
Communications, listening skills and supporting people with dementia;
Person centered care – sign posting to advice and guidance, medication, ethics, impact on families.

44. Risk factors for developing dementia
Age
Lack of physical exercise
Obesity
Mental activities in mid life
Diabetic
Current Smoking
Excess alcohol
Genetics
Learning disabilities

45. Modifiable Risk Factors

46. Diagnosis – the earlier the better
Only 1/3 of people with dementia have a proper diagnosis.
Early diagnosis means that:
There is more time to plan ahead and support self management
The carer is able to cope for longer
The need for placement of the patient away from their home is delayed

47. Support for Carers and Family
Registering as a carer with GP
Carers Together/Princess Royal Trust for Carers
Carers assessment
Information and resources
Alzheimer’s Society/Andover Mind
Memory advisors and support teams
Adult services

48. What can we do? Become “dementia friends”
(see ’Video about dementia friends’ if access to the internet is available)
Support national campaigns
Become a ‘Dementia Friendly Practice’

49. Our role as a dementia friendly practice
Maximise health and well-being and help people to remain independent
Improve patient and carer experience
Improve teamwork
Improve clinical consultations – better prescribing & improved referrals
Improved care planning for the future
Improved quality of life for our patients
Know & be able to sign post patients to available services

50. Where can you find more information?
(e-learning)

51. So…………
What do we want to do as a practice?