Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Psychiatry and psychology
CPD
Complete 1.5 CPD hours

Dementia: 14 essentials of management

Henry Brodaty, Michael Connors, Dimity Pond, Anne Cumming, Helen M Creasey
Go To
CPD
Abstract
Dementia places a great burden on patients and their families and the challenges vary considerably over the course of the illness. We describe 14 practical points to guide management.
Key Points
  • When a patient is diagnosed with dementia, implement a detailed care plan as soon as possible and follow up regularly.
  • Encourage patients and their families to address issues relating to work, driving, finances and legal responsibilities.
  • Ensure the patient’s environment is dementia-friendly.
  • For patients with Alzheimer’s disease, consider prescribing specific medication when appropriate.
  • Manage neuropsychiatric symptoms and comorbidities with nonpharmacological approaches whenever possible. When psychotropic treatments are considered necessary, minimise dose and duration and evaluate regularly for benefits and side effects.
  • Ensure patients and carers have appropriate assistance and support, including community, respite and residential care.
  • Monitor carers’ ability to cope and level of distress; refer if indicated.
Get full access
Subscribe for full access to all articles
Buy this article

Single article purchases are temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance.

If you would like to purchase an article during this time, please email us at [email protected] with the article details and we'll assist you directly. We'll also let you know when online purchasing is available again.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Already a subscriber?