Dementia in Australia: Clinical recommendations post-diagnosis

David Foxe; Mirelle D'Mello; Sau Chi Cheung; Julane Bowen; Olivier Piguet; Yun Tae Hwang

doi:10.1111/ajag.13291

Dementia in Australia: Clinical recommendations post-diagnosis

Australas J Ageing. 2024 Feb 26. doi: 10.1111/ajag.13291. Online ahead of print.

Authors

David Foxe^{1

2}, Mirelle D'Mello^{1

2}, Sau Chi Cheung^{1

2

3}, Julane Bowen⁴, Olivier Piguet^{1

2}, Yun Tae Hwang^{2

5

6}

Affiliations

¹ School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
² Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
³ Neuropsychology Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁴ The Australian Frontotemporal Dementia Association, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁵ Central Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁶ Department of Neurology, Gosford Hospital, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.

PMID: 38404252
DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13291

Abstract

The delivery of a dementia diagnosis, the information provided, and the practical advice and support arranged can have a long-lasting impact on patients and their families and deserves attention equal to that given to the assessment and investigation process. Patients and their families need a constructive yet sensitive conversation about the nature and cause of their difficulties, communicated in plain language, and tailored to their main concerns and needs. This conversation should lead to the provision of high-quality, easily accessible information. Following this, clinicians may wish to consider broaching the following dementia topics: (1) pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, (2) connection and integration with relevant organisations, (3, 4) application for formal support services and engagement with support teams, (5) safety in the home, (6, 7) financial planning, guardianship and legal matters, (8) driving eligibility, (9) support and education resources to family carers and (10) research initiatives and genetic information. Addressing these topics will contribute to improved disease management, which is likely to improve the dementia journey for the patient, their carer(s), and family.

Keywords: caregivers; clinical decision-making; delivery of health care; dementia; patient-centered care.

Abstract

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