Dementia is the leading cause of death for women (second overall for the population) according to Dementia Australia.
There is a lack of knowledge and understanding in the community about dementia, and it can often be a stigmatised or neglected group.
Even the 1.6 million people in Australia involved in the care of someone living with dementia must search far and wide for the right advice, information and support services at the various stages of dementia.
The vital role GPs play
Dr Stephanie Daly is a GP with a special interest in dementia. She believes that GPs have a vital role in brain health and risk reduction.
Age is a big risk. Research suggests that 10% of 75-year-olds have dementia which increases rapidly to 30% for 85-year-olds. An Annual Health Assessment is available to all patients over the age of 75. “More should be made of a brain health check, rather than an opportunity to only perform a mini-mental state examination”.
It’s never too early and never too late’ for dementia risk reduction and dementia prevention, according to a 2020 report from the Lancet Commission.
Dr Daly believes that if dementia risk factors can be targeted in early and mid-life, GPs have an opportunity to make a real difference. “GPs can also include health assessments for 45–49-year-olds at risk of disease, and General Practice Management Plans for any disease that is a risk factor, e.g. hypertension, obesity, or diabetes.”
“Brain health checks do not have their own item number, but many other item numbers can be used to offer brain health advice.”
“We also know there are 14 modifiable risk factors which includes two risk factors, and represent 45% of the risk. They might delay the onset of the disease process, which means that we should be talking about brain health like we talk about heart health and eradicate the stigma of this disease.”
“You or your nurse can also regularly ask patients if they have noticed any issues with their memory or thinking and undertake further investigation where needed.”
“2 in 3 people with dementia are thought to be living in the community and it’s our role as their GP to make sure this time is as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible,” Dr Daly said.
Useful resources
While many GPs know about the support and resources provided by Dementia Australia Dementia Support Australia and Dementia Training Australia, Dr Daly often refers to https://forwardwithdementia.au/ which has resources for people living with dementia, carers and health professionals.
