Managing dementia-related cognitive decline in patients and their caregivers.
BACKGROUND
There are over 332 000 Australians living with dementia. On average, families notice symptoms 3 years before a firm diagnosis is made. These symptoms are chronic and typically progressive and terminal.


OBJECTIVE
To address some key aspects of providing person-centred care for a patient diagnosed with dementia, including considerations for family and caregivers, from a general practitioner's (GP) perspective.


CONCLUSIONS
GPs play a crucial part in managing the needs of people with dementia and caregivers by providing ongoing support and by facilitating access to evidence-based care. Scheduled, regular reviews of people with dementia and their caregivers should become standard practice, and psychosocial interventions that can assist both parties should be offered.
MBBS, BSc, FACRRM, FRACP, Clinical Director, Older Persons and Subacute Services, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Cairns, QLD; and Adjunct A/Prof, James Cook University School of Medicine and Dentistry, Townsville, QLD.
Edward
E
Strivens
Denise
D
Craig
D017668:Age of Onset; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003704:Dementia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012944:Social Support
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents