DementiaProduced by Wessex LMCs

in partnership with:Wessex AHSN

Dr Nicola Decker, GPAlzheimer’s Society

Contents:Why are we here?Understanding DementiaThe BrainSymptoms – four main dementiasCase StudiesModelsVisual problemsCommunication Further ResourcesQuestions

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.

Becoming a………

Dementia Friendly Practice

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

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

Case Studies

Small Changes……Big Differences…..

1. Make sure all health-care staff know whether a patient has dementia before theyare seen

2. Remember! People living with dementia may need a longer appointment

3. Don’t let people with dementia fall out of the system if they don’t keepappointments NB! If someone without a dementia diagnosis repeatedly forgets toattend appointments, it may be a sign that they should be screened

4. If possible, send appointment reminders to both patient and carer

5. Where appropriate, include family carers in decision making

6. Ensure family members have copies of relevant documents – letters, monitoringequipment, appointments, changes to medication etc

7. Continuity of care is very important to the person with dementia – it is better to beseen by the same health-care professional on each visit

Communication

• Before you speak

• When you speak

• What to say

• Listening

• Body Language and Physical Contact

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

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

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.

Risk factors for developing dementia

• Age• Lack of physical exercise• Obesity• Mental activities in mid life• Diabetic • Current Smoking• Excess alcohol• Genetics• Learning disabilities

Modifiable Risk Factors

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

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

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’

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

Where can you find more information?

• www.alzheimers.org.uk

• www.dementia.org.uk.

• www.dementiafriends.org.uk

• www.scie.org.uk (e-learning)

So…………

• What do we want to do as a practice?