Trending Medical Education Topic: DEMENTIA

As our society ages, we expect a significant increase in the incidence and prevalence of Dementia.

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that 1 in 10 adults in the US over 65 has Dementia, and 1 in 5 has cognitive impairment. The rate is equal for men and women but skewed with age. While 3% of adults in their 60s have Dementia, the rate goes up to 35% for those in their 90s. As our society ages, we expect a significant increase in the incidence and prevalence of Dementia. There are many types of Dementia, but the most common include Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, and “Mixed.” Dementia is underdiagnosed and under-recognized in primary care. Guidelines recommend improved cognitive screening in primary care, and multiple validated tools are available to assist clinicians in accomplishing evaluation. Comprehensive care of patients with Dementia includes carefully reviewing medications prescribed to minimize adverse side effects that can negatively affect cognition. Clinicians should familiarize themselves with community resources that can assist caregivers and families.

Does your medical staff need an update on the diagnosis and treatment of Dementia? Here is an example of the learning objectives that our faculty can cover in a 1-hour CME lecture:

1. Describe the pathology and clinical characteristics of the different dementias

2. Increase comfort and familiarity with cognitive screening tools

3. Appreciate the benefits of community resources and senior daycare programs in promoting patient health, family education, and caregiver support

4. Discuss reasonable treatment expectations for people with various types of Dementia

CLICK HERE to download a PDF file featuring gaps, potential needs and references for this topic

If your medical staff needs an update on Dementia diagnosis and management, consider contacting our office to book a speaker on this topic at 877-505-4777or info@speakersnetwork.com.

References:

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia

Fact Sheet: U.S. Dementia Trends

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31414193/