Palliative Care Consultation for Dementia

"Dementia is an umbrella term that covers many neurological and psychiatric conditions, although a specific underlying cause for each of these conditions is not known. Dementia is often multifactorial in nature and is likely to be caused by a combination of genetic factors, environmental exposures, and several risk factors that interact with each other to lead to deterioration of brain function." - Anonymous Online Contributor

"Cognitive decline and memory decline are most commonly the first symptoms of dementia and there is the likelihood of other problems, often a very gradual process, occurring. Aspects the general practitioner can be involved in to reduce the burden of dementia on the patient and their family include informing the patient and family about symptom development, the need for further investigation and the available resources in their community. The GP should be mindful of the need to detect dementia even when the problem does not become evident till later stages of the condition." - Anonymous Online Contributor

"Physicians frequently prescribe medications for the treatment of cognitive symptoms of dementia. These medications may produce varying degrees of cognitive effects and even adverse drug reactions. The use of multiple medications to treat dementia is a frequent occurrence. The use of multiple medications raises the probability of adverse drug reactions. A more thorough review of the medication regimen may result in the avoidance of potentially injurious doses." - Anonymous Online Contributor

"Results from a recent clinical trial showed that in people with dementia and a caregiver they still want their carers to keep an eye and be there for them, even if it could mean a long period of time before they could start taking their own medications. This, coupled with the results of other studies of the effect of interventions on quality of life, is suggestive of the necessity of early identification of dementia and the early diagnosis, initiation and maintenance of optimum treatment." - Anonymous Online Contributor

"About 65 million Americans could develop Alzheimer's disease at some point in time. A very sizable proportion of them may be undiagnosed during the year. However, many remain undiagnosed for a longer period between two and eight years. The proportion of the general population with undiagnosed dementia becomes high around the age group of 80 years." - Anonymous Online Contributor

"Dementia is defined as a mental disorder characterized by intellectual decline. It can be of a rapid or slow deterioration. There are many forms of dementia, and the causes of cognitive dysfunction are many, including both neurodegenerative diseases and also a myriad of vascular illnesses. The most prevalent form of dementia worldwide is Alzheimer's disease. The first reported case of dementia was documented by Jean-Martin Charcot in 1873, based on autopsy results of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis." - Anonymous Online Contributor

"With the progress of cognitive decline, individuals have to be educated, supported and empowered to protect themselves for the devastating impact that Alzheimer's disease has on life. The impact of dementia on everyday life and their families is devastating and it is important to empower them so that they can live fulfilling lives as they are going through this devastating disease." - Anonymous Online Contributor

"The consultation may help to improve quality of life in the first 6 months of the palliative care consultation or a year before death, irrespective of age, duration or type of dementia. It may enable patients to take greater responsibility for their care, and provide a sense of pride in their ability to take care of themselves. Importantly the consultation cannot be regarded as standard care, but needs good organisation and support for patients and their family members." - Anonymous Online Contributor

"PC is a common element of the multidisciplinary palliative care team. Patient-physician PC consultations occurred in half of the cases (n = 33/69). An overwhelming majority of PC consultations were preceded by other types of care, regardless of whether the initial consultation was for the patient or for caregivers (n = 50/69)." - Anonymous Online Contributor

"Most clinical trials for patients with mild or moderate dementia were sponsored by a research institute or specialty-specific nonprofit organization with a reputation for clinical utility. However, private organizations are more likely to sponsor and support larger clinical trials investigating the efficacy of potential medications for dementia." - Anonymous Online Contributor

"Findings from a recent study is important because it is one of the largest studies to examine the effects of genetic and environmental exposures on risk for dementia along the life-course. The finding that family history of dementia increases dementia risk in middle age, rather than beginning in adolescence, may be related to the timing of the clinical onset of familial AD, which is one of the earliest clinical signs of dementia. This information could help to identify the individuals at highest risk." - Anonymous Online Contributor