The symptoms of dementia should be investigated the first time they are reported and not dismissed as a ‘normal part of ageing’ according to The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
“One in 10 older Australians have a diagnosis of dementia and it is absolutely vital to improve the quality and consistency of care for people with declining cognition,” RACGP President Dr Frank R Jones said.
“The cost of dementia on the health and aged care systems in Australia is staggering and calculated at more than $4.9 billion per annum.
“Dementia has an enormous impact on the lives of the carers and their families as well as those people diagnosed with the disease,” Dr Jones said.
The RACGP recognises dementia as a national health priority and believes steps should be taken to prevent, recognise and manage common behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. To this end, the RACGP has endorsed the Clinical Practice Guidelines and Principles for People with Dementia.
There are 109 recommendations in the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines that reflect current evidence about dementia care and to assist GPs and other health and aged care specialists to better respond to the needs and preferences of a person living with dementia, their carers and families.
“The guidelines will help address timely diagnosis, supporting carers, living well with dementia, pharmacological and nonpharmacological management of symptoms and end of life care,” Dr Jones said.
Developed within the $25 million NHMRC Partnership Centre: Dealing with Cognitive and Related Functional Decline in Older People the guidelines form part of the Federal Government’s Boosting Dementia Research Initiative.
Visit the National Clinical Practice Guidelines for Dementia. National Dementia Awareness month runs throughout September.