Health Professionals Your patient’s first step to understanding dementia
Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be a difficult experience for your patients and their families. It’s not something people plan for and to hear the word ‘dementia’ can be overwhelming.
In 2018, there is an estimated 425,416 Australians living with dementia; the leading cause of death for women and the second leading cause of death for men in Australia. These statistics are alarming and without a medical breakthrough the number of people with dementia is expected to increase to more than 536,000 by 2025 and over a million by 2056.
But with your support, it is possible for your patients to live well with dementia.
Timely diagnosis and early intervention is important A timely diagnosis of dementia means your patients can access support and treatment, and plan for the future.
- Timely diagnosis and early intervention can help to delay cognitive deterioration and improve quality of life
- Allows a person to discuss their wishes for future care while they have mental capacity
- Carers of people with dementia are at risk of physical and mental illness and also deserve support.
By your patients’ side on their dementia journey
Alzheimer’s WA has been providing direct care, support, education and information to assist people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers, for more than 35 years.
We are here to help guide your patients diagnosed with dementia through a wide range of information and programs and services including:
- Respite services
- Social support
- Tailored education services for families
In addition, Alzheimer’s WA have recently introduced an early intervention program, Adjusting to Change, which helps people recently diagnosed with dementia and their families to:
- Understand their diagnosis and the changes that are occurring
- Help plan for the future
- Provide advice about dementia specialist services
- Link to local support groups with other people navigating similar changes.
The program is funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program and is free of charge. Our Dementia Advisory Service can support your patients with this referral process on 1300 66 77 88.
Focus on the Person form
The Focus on the Person form is an evidence-based tool that has been designed to assist families and health professionals to be allies in providing person-centred care.
We encourage you to let your patients diagnosed with dementia know that the first step to understanding dementia is to contact Alzheimer’s WA on 1300 66 77 88 or email us.
News
September 2019: New GP guidelines could significantly reduce dementia rates in Australia, NeuRA
