Medication management in dementia

This session will equip general practitioners with tools and techniques to manage pharmacological interventions for patients with dementia, including their symptoms and comorbid conditions.

Effective medication management for a patient living with dementia can considerably improve the quality of life for 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 this webinar you will hear 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 de-prescribing, including using new electronic decision support system tools. They will also 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 

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.

We encourage you to watch the first session on driving and dementia prior to attending this event, you can find the recording here.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

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