Most people become more forgetful as they age, so when is mild cognitive impairment (MCI) a normal part of getting older, and when is it a sign of dementia?

Marita chats to neurologist Dr Matthew Kirkcaldie from the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre and the team discusses the different causes of MCI.

 

 

Dementia Training Australia
We provide dementia-specific accredited and non-accredited education, training, and professional development for aged and health care professionals.


SHOW NOTES:
Dementia Australia
Providing support, information and services for people living with dementia, carers, family and health professionals

National Dementia Helpline – 1800100500
https://www.dementia.org.au/


Dementia Support Australia (DSA)
Dementia Support Australia (DSA) provides the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) and Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRT) nationwide. Dementia Support Australia offers a free national service operating 24/7 365 days a year.

24 hour Helpline 18000699799
https://www.dementia.com.au/


Carers Australia
Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers, advocating on their behalf to influence policies and services at a national level. It works collaboratively with partners and its member organisations, the Network of state and territory Carers Associations, to deliver a range of essential national carer services.

Phone 1800242636
https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/


RACGP Silver Book
Medical care of older persons in residential aged care facilities (Silver Book) aims to provide GPs and other health professionals including residential aged care nurses, with a resource for delivering quality health care in residential aged care facilities.

https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/silver-book


RACGP Red Book - Guidelines for preventative activities in general practice - Dementia 
https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/red-book/preventive-activities-in-older-age/dementia


My Aged Care - dementia resources
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/getting-started/health-conditions/dementia

Cognitive Screening Tests Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE)
Frequently used in general practice as included in most popular medical software programs. MMSE score require for prescribing dementia medications on PBS

https://www.ihpa.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/smmse-tool-v2.pdf - https://www.ihpa.gov.au/sites/g/files/net636/f/publications/smmse-guidelines-v2.pdf—explanation of scoring


GPCOG
The GPCOG is a reliable, valid and efficient instrument to screen for dementia specifically in a primary care setting. The GPCOG score is not influenced by the cultural and linguistic background of a person making it an invaluable screening tool especially in multicultural patient settings. http://gpcog.com.au/

Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (KICA) 
The Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (KICA) was developed in response to the need for a cognitive screening tool for older Indigenous Australians (45 years plus) living in rural and remote areas. The KICA tool was named after where the original research was conducted and comprises of a number of sections and assesses the person and carer. The KICA tool is now widely used in remote or rural locations across Australia.

http://kams.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/KICA-Tool-2006.pdf


Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS)
The Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) is a short cognitive screening instrument designed to minimise the effects of cultural learning and language diversity on the assessment of baseline cognitive performance.

https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/20110311_2011NSWRUDASscoring_sheet.pdf - the test

https://www.dementia.org.au/resources/rowland-universal-dementia-assessment-scale-rudas - information and links to tests in Chinese and Italian


Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
The MoCA is well validated and covers a number of cognitive domains. If repeat tests are required, two alternative versions are available with instructions on the MoCA Test website. The tests are also available in many different European and Asian languages.
https://www.mocatest.org/paper/  (Free registration required)


GP Management Plans
Dementia specific GP management plans for Stages 1, 2 and 3 dementia
https://www.dta.com.au/gp-management-plans/



Dementia Training Australia - online courses
https://www.dta.com.au/online-dementia-courses/


Demystifying dementia: A practical course in the diagnosis and management of dementia
Hours: 3
https://dta.com.au/online-courses/demystifying-dementia/


Demystifying dementia: A practical course in the diagnosis and management of dementia
Hours: 2 | RACGP: 4pts | ACRRM: 2hrs

https://www.thinkgp.com.au/education/demystifying-dementia-practical-course-diagnosis-and-management-dementia



Teaching plans for GP supervisors to use with their registrars
https://gpsupervisorsaustralia.org.au/teaching-plans/
(NB Enter term Dementia into search function to find teaching plans on dementia)



Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre
Master of Dementia Program
https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/mdem

 

Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre
Understanding Dementia MOOC 
https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/understanding-dementia

 

Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre 
Preventing Dementia
http://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/preventing-dementia



Driving and dementia resources
http://www.profjoe.com.au/all-cases-list/driving-with-dementia/

https://www.dementia.org.au/resources/dementia-and-driving-vic

Most people become more forgetful as they age, so when is mild cognitive impairment (MCI) a normal part of getting older, and when is it a sign of dementia?
Marita chats to neurologist Dr Matthew Kirkcaldie from the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre and the team discusses the different causes of MCI.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Dementia Training Australia We provide dementia-specific accredited and non-accredited education, training, and professional development for aged and health care professionals. 
SHOW NOTES: Dementia Australia Providing support, information and services for people living with dementia, carers, family and health professionals
National Dementia Helpline &ndash; 1800100500 <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/">https://www.dementia.org.au/</a>
 Dementia Support Australia (DSA) Dementia Support Australia (DSA) provides the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) and Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRT) nationwide. Dementia Support Australia offers a free national service operating 24/7 365 days a year.
24 hour Helpline 18000699799 <a href="https://www.dementia.com.au/">https://www.dementia.com.au/</a>
 Carers Australia Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia&rsquo;s unpaid carers, advocating on their behalf to influence policies and services at a national level. It works collaboratively with partners and its member organisations, the Network of state and territory Carers Associations, to deliver a range of essential national carer services.
Phone 1800242636 <a href="https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/">https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/</a>
 RACGP Silver Book Medical care of older persons in residential aged care facilities (Silver Book) aims to provide GPs and other health professionals including residential aged care nurses, with a resource for delivering quality health care in residential aged care facilities.
<a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/silver-book">https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/</a> <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/silver-book">key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/silver-book</a>
 RACGP Red Book - Guidelines for preventative activities in general practice - Dementia&nbsp; <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/red-book/preventive-activities-in-older-age/dementia">https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/</a> <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/red-book/preventive-activities-in-older-age/dementia">key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/red-book/</a> <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/red-book/preventive-activities-in-older-age/dementia">preventive-activities-in-older-age/dementia</a>
 My Aged Care - dementia resources <a href="https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/getting-started/health-conditions/dementia">https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/getting-started/health-</a> <a href="https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/getting-started/health-conditions/dementia">conditions/dementia</a>
Cognitive Screening Tests Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) Frequently used in general practice as included in most popular medical software programs. MMSE score require for prescribing dementia medications on PBS
<a href="https://www.ihpa.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/smmse-tool-v2.pdf">https://www.ihpa.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/</a> <a href="https://www.ihpa.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/smmse-tool-v2.pdf">smmse-tool-v2.pdf </a>- <a href="https://www.ihpa.gov.au/sites/g/files/net636/f/publications/smmse-guidelines-v2.pdf">https://www.ihpa.gov.au/sites/g/files/</a> <a href="https://www.ihpa.gov.au/sites/g/files/net636/f/publications/smmse-guidelines-v2.pdf">net636/f/publications/smmse-guidelines-v2.pdf&mdash;</a>explanation of scoring
 GPCOG The GPCOG is a reliable, valid and efficient instrument to screen for dementia specifically in a primary care setting. The GPCOG score is not influenced by the cultural and linguistic background of a person making it an invaluable screening tool especially in multicultural patient settings. <a href="http://gpcog.com.au/">http://gpcog.com.au/</a>
Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (KICA)&nbsp; The Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (KICA) was developed in response to the need for a cognitive screening tool for older Indigenous Australians (45 years plus) living in rural and remote areas. The KICA tool was named after where the original research was conducted and comprises of a number of sections and assesses the person and carer. The KICA tool is now widely used in remote or rural locations across Australia.
<a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/1eBaCk8vzZUZzAQkc22vgQ?domain=kams.org.au">http://kams.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/KICA-Tool-</a> <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/1eBaCk8vzZUZzAQkc22vgQ?domain=kams.org.au">2006.pdf</a>
 Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) The Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) is a short cognitive screening instrument designed to minimise the effects of cultural learning and language diversity on the assessment of baseline cognitive performance.
<a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/20110311_2011NSWRUDASscoring_sheet.pdf">https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/</a> <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/20110311_2011NSWRUDASscoring_sheet.pdf">files/20110311_2011NSWRUDASscoring_sheet.pdf</a> - the test
<a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/resources/rowland-universal-dementia-assessment-scale-rudas">https://www.dementia.org.au/resources/rowland-universal-</a> <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/resources/rowland-universal-dementia-assessment-scale-rudas">dementia-assessment-scale-rudas </a>- information and links to tests in Chinese and Italian
 Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) The MoCA is well validated and covers a number of cognitive domains. If repeat tests are required, two alternative versions are available with instructions on the MoCA Test website. The tests are also available in many different European and Asian languages. <a href="https://www.mocatest.org/paper/">https://www.mocatest.org/paper/ </a>&nbsp;(Free registration required)
 GP Management Plans Dementia specific GP management plans for Stages 1, 2 and 3 dementia <a href="https://www.dta.com.au/gp-management-plans/">https://www.dta.com.au/gp-management-plans/</a> 
Dementia Training Australia - online courses <a href="https://www.dta.com.au/online-dementia-courses/">https://www.dta.com.au/online-dementia-courses/</a>
 Demystifying dementia: A practical course in the diagnosis and management of dementia Hours: 3 <a href="https://dta.com.au/online-courses/demystifying-dementia/">https://dta.com.au/online-courses/demystifying-dementia/</a>
 Demystifying dementia: A practical course in the diagnosis and management of dementia Hours: 2 | RACGP: 4pts | ACRRM: 2hrs
<a href="https://www.thinkgp.com.au/education/demystifying-dementia-practical-course-diagnosis-and-management-dementia">https://www.thinkgp.com.au/education/demystifying-dementia-</a> <a href="https://www.thinkgp.com.au/education/demystifying-dementia-practical-course-diagnosis-and-management-dementia">practical-course-diagnosis-and-management-dementia</a> 
Teaching plans for GP supervisors to use with their registrars <a href="https://gpsupervisorsaustralia.org.au/teaching-plans/">https://gpsupervisorsaustralia.org.au/teaching-plans/</a> (NB Enter term Dementia into search function to find teaching plans on dementia) 
Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre Master of Dementia Program <a href="https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/mdem">https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/mdem</a>
&nbsp;
Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre Understanding Dementia MOOC <a href="https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/understanding-dementia">https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/understanding-dementia</a>
&nbsp;
Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre&nbsp; Preventing Dementia <a href="http://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/preventing-dementia">http://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/preventing-dementia</a> <a href="http://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/preventing-dementia"></a>
 Driving and dementia resources <a href="http://www.profjoe.com.au/all-cases-list/driving-with-dementia/">http://www.profjoe.com.au/all-cases-list/driving-with-</a> <a href="http://www.profjoe.com.au/all-cases-list/driving-with-dementia/">dementia/</a>
https://<a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/resources/dementia-and-driving-vic">www.dementia.org.au/resources/dementia-and-</a> <a href="https://www.dementia.org.au/resources/dementia-and-driving-vic">driving-vic</a>

Listen as GPs talk about dementia, its types, diagnosis, management, impacts and more...

Listen as GPs talk about dementia, its types, diagnosis, management, impacts and more...

Dementia in Practice

Dementia Training Australia

A definition and description of the major types of dementia and why differentiation of type is important.

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