Journal of Alzheimers Disease & Parkinsonism
Open Access

Abstract

Background: As there is currently no cure for dementia, there is an increasing focus on factors which may prevent or delay the onset of dementia. It has been estimated that up to half of the AlzheimeraAAÃ?Â?Ã?Â?s Dementia cases are potentially attributable to seven risk factors (diabetes, midlife hypertension, midlife obesity, depression, physical inactivity, smoking and cognitive inactivity). What is the role of the GP General Practitioners (GPs) also known as Primary Care Practitioners (PCPs) are recognised as the gatekeepers between health service provision and patients. Effective primary care for community dwelling patients is facilitated by care for acute illness as well as ongoing assessment and management of the patientaÃ?Â?Ã?Â?Ã?Â?Ã?Â?Ã?Â?Ã?Â?Ã?Â?Ã?Â?s physical, psychological and social needs including any issues related to cognitive decline. This is a complex role. Given that dementia prevention and early diagnosis is only one element of general practice. The objective of our work has been to focus attention on existing research for the translation of evidence based interventions into practice. For example, given that we know obesity is a problem, is there any research which shows that GPs have been effective in reducing obesity (and if so, how did they do that). Aim: The aim of this project was to identify key opportunities where existing evidence for dementia prevention/detection may be made locally relevant to support general practitioners. Methods: Two focus groups were established (in two Australian States Queensland, Victoria). Clinicians currently working in general practice were invited to a focus group meeting to discuss dementia prevention and detection. The meeting would commence with reading material summarising evidence for dementia prevention and detection (diagnostic support). This would lead into a discussion focused on barriers to implementation and practical challenges. Clinicians would be encouraged to identify new themes if there were any missing in the presented documentation.Following the open discussion, Clinicians would be asked to rank (Anonymously) the topic areas by identifying which would be the three most likely areas as feasible for targeted translation activity to improve use in general practice. Analysis: Focus group discussion will be taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Leximancer. Rankings will be calculated using the RAND-UCLA consensus method based on a median score. Results: The meetings are being held December 1and 2 at that time the analysis will be completed and key areas identified.

Biography

Email: m.martinkhan@uq.edu.au