Dementia care pathways for health professionals
As a member of the Victorian and Tasmanian PHN Alliance, we have jointly developed a suite of resources to help GPs diagnose and care for people with dementia.
Dementia care is more important than ever, with more than 400,000 Australians currently living with the condition. This number is predicted to more than double in the next 25 years.
In Australia, dementia is the leading cause of death for women, and the second-leading cause of death overall. It is the third highest cause of disease burden.
The number of people living with dementia in the EMPHN region is about 25,000.
On this page:
Project overview
This project recognises that a dementia diagnosis can be complex and time-consuming. To address these challenges, we are providing healthcare professionals with clinical tools, referral and consumer resources, and professional training.
The three key components of the project that are outlined in further detail below are:
- New and revised dementia HealthPathways
- New dementia training
- Patient information in multiple languages and local Dementia Directory
New and revised dementia HealthPathways
There are four up-to-date clinical pathways available to assist GPs:
1. Cognitive impairment and dementia
- Main clinical pathway — outlines assessment, management and referral for people with memory loss or a dementia diagnosis.
- Learn more at HealthPathways Melbourne.
2. Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)
- Outlines assessment, management and referral related to non-cognitive symptoms of dementia.
- For example: aggression, agitation, depression, wandering and disinhibited behaviours.
- Learn more at HealthPathways Melbourne
3. Five-minute neurological exam for patients with possible dementia
- Focused neurological examination — suitable for general practices.
- Learn more at HealthPathways Melbourne.
4. Medications for dementia
- Outlining the use of cholinesterase inhibitors in management of certain types of dementia.
- Learn more at HealthPathways Melbourne.
The HealthPathways website has also been updated to include:
- Information on referring to local cognitive, dementia and memory service (CDAMS).
- Information on services to assist with behaviour management.
- Resources, such as national helplines, carer support services, respite providers and local support groups.
New dementia training
Dementia Demystified is a new training course created for primary care professionals, including GPs, GP registrars, practice nurses and nurse practitioners. The course has been designed, developed and facilitated by GPs, in conjunction with Dementia Training Australia. The two sessions are delivered by Dementia Training Australia:
Demystifying Dementia – Session 1: Recognising dementia in general practice
Demystifying Dementia – Session 2: Post-diagnostic care of dementia in general practice
A step wise approach to initiating the post diagnostic care of dementia in general practice. Includes palliative care and advance care planning.
Applying GP friendly frameworks to better understand dementia, and a step wise approach to diagnosing dementia in general practice.
Learn more about Dementia Training Australia.
Patient information
Dementia Directory
The Dementia Directory supports people living with dementia to better access the care they need to live well in the community for as long as possible. Primary health networks were funded by the Australian Government to develop dementia resources, as a response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Dementia Directory
Finding the right support when you’re living with or caring for someone with dementia can be a challenge. Use the Dementia Directory to find local services, community groups and other resources in and around Melbourne.
Information sheets
Research by Dementia Australia found that people feel overwhelmed with information at the time of a dementia diagnosis, and they prefer to receive hard-copy resources that can be reviewed at a later date. Based on this insight, we have developed an information sheet that is available in English, Greek, Italian, Simplified Chinese and Vietnamese.
The information sheet was developed in collaboration with a range of people with lived experience of dementia, including patients, carers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, health professionals and various partner organisations.
Translated information sheets
Information sheets for the community are available in English, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese or Simplified Chinese.
Further information on HealthPathways
Visit our web page below to find out more.
