Medication Management in Dementia

Effective medication management for a patient living with dementia can considerably improve the quality of life for both the person and their carer. In a team-based approach, utilising pharmacy, practice nurses, GPs, and occupational therapy there are numerous interventions which can improve safety, palatability and efficacy of medication use in dementia.

In this webinar you will hear practical tips from expert GP and pharmacist Medical Educators about managing medication in a person living with dementia, the importance of medication review and the detrimental effects of certain medications on cognition. Our educators will provide an approach to deprescribing in a person living with dementia including the new electronic decision support system tools, and discuss the benefits and risks of dementia-specific medication.

Speakers

Dr Karen Savery

Karen is a Brisbane based GP who works in clinical practice, residential aged care and medical education. She is passionate about the education and mentoring of GPs, particularly in the area of aged care and dementia. She has worked with Dementia Training Australia to increase GP’s confidence in the recognition and management of dementia.

A/Prof Dr Paul Yates

MBBS, FRACP, PhD- Austin Health

Associate Professor Paul Yates is a consultant geriatrician and (acting) director of research a with expertise in dementia and geriatric medicine in hospital and community settings (including residential aged care).

Dr Hilton Koppe, GP-Dementia Training Australia

Hilton Koppe is a writer, educator, podcaster and doctor living on Bundjalung Land on the east coast of Australia. He is a long-standing member of Dementia Training Australia’s GP education team.

Hilton facilitates reflective writing workshops for doctors and other health professionals with the goal of deepening their compassion, overcoming professional isolation and reducing risk of burnout. The workshops have been adapted for people living with chronic and mental illnesses, as well as enthusiastic amateur writers. Hilton has been invited to present his workshops all the way from Byron Writers Festival to Harvard Medical School.

Hilton’s book, One Curious Doctor: A Memoir of Medicine, Migration and Mortality, explores the personal impact of working as a country doctor. His play, Enduring Witness, is used to facilitate conversations about end-of-life care. Hilton is co-host of Dementia In Practice, a top 100 Great Australian Pod.

Learning outcomes:

1. Explain how some medications can negatively impact cognition.
2. Outline the pharmacological tools which may assist in the management of dementia.
3. Identify the special considerations for medication management in people living with dementia.

This session has been approved for 1 RACGP CPD hour (educational activity).