News
Push for improved dementia education for GPs
One expert wants to boost ‘baseline knowledge’ of early detection, interventions and post-diagnostic care of the condition.
Without significant interventions, dementia is projected to soon be the leading cause of death in Australia.
As the usual first point of contact for healthcare, many GPs see prevention and early intervention of disease as their bread and butter.
That is why Dr Stephanie Daly, a GP with a special interest in dementia, is on a mission to better educate her colleagues to enable them to manage the complex condition that is predicted to be Australia’s biggest killer.
To help equip GPs with more knowledge of dementia risk factors and available treatments, Dr Daly is moderating continuing professional development (CPD) sessions at the upcoming Australian Dementia Research Forum.
‘The forum has proven to really enhance GPs’ understanding of a variety of complex issues surrounding dementia,’ she told newsGP.
‘But ultimately with the goal of enhancing baseline knowledge around issues of early detection, implementing interventions, post-diagnostic care and family and carer support.’
The forum’s CPD sessions include a broad range of topics, and GPs can expect to learn strategies to support people with dementia and comorbidities, including:
- culturally tailored support programs for carers in culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- the importance of multidisciplinary care of people living with dementia, including allied health
- post-diagnostic interventions and management of dementia in a comorbidity setting
- voluntary assisted dying
- the latest research on non-pharmacological interventions that promote hope, independence and quality of life following a diagnosis, and integrating these approaches into clinical practice.
Dr Daly, who is also coordinator of the RACGP Specific Interests Dementia sub-group, said the sessions will ‘inform and educate’ GPs and other experts on the most recent tests and therapies, as well as practical aspects associated with the diagnosis and management of dementia.
‘With dementia cases on the rise, it’s critical that GPs are equipped to identify, manage, and where possible, prevent this complex condition,’ she said.
‘Early detection of dementia can significantly improve outcomes. It enables timely intervention, better care planning, and an improved quality of life for patients and their families.’
An
estimated 433,300 Australians are currently living with dementia, with this number expected to almost double by 2054. And while dementia is the
second leading cause of death for all Australians, it is
projected to soon be the leading cause.
GP education around dementia diagnosis and care is particularly timely, according to Dr Daly, with
new blood tests for use in clinical practice on the horizon.
While still recruiting, Dr Daly is leading an
Australian Dementia Network project on blood-based biomarkers for diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in primary care, with initial findings to be presented at the
Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine’s conference next month.
‘The project will explore the clinical application of innovative blood tests that detect biomarkers for Alzheimer’s, such as amyloid-beta, tau proteins, and neurofilament light,’ Dr Daly said.
‘Recent advancements in blood-based biomarkers have paved the way for more accessible, accurate and less invasive diagnostic methods compared to traditional spinal taps, MRIs and PET scans.
‘Among the promising developments is the plasma pTau217 test, which has demonstrated 92% accuracy in detecting Alzheimer’s disease – a significant improvement over the current diagnostic rate of approximately 70%.’
Dr Stephanie Daly says it is critical that GPs are equipped to identify, manage, and where possible, prevent dementia.
The study will assess how new blood biomarkers can enhance diagnostic confidence, streamline patient pathways and support earlier intervention.
Dr Daly is hoping the outcomes will address key challenges in dementia diagnosis and care, including long waiting lists for specialist consultations and testing.
‘By leveraging the accessibility of blood tests, GPs could play a pivotal role in the future of dementia diagnosis and treatment,’ she said.
‘I would like to see primary care at the forefront of diagnosing cognitive concerns, and I feel access to this blood-based Alzheimer’s disease biomarker will help us understand how this might work in the future.’
With dementia cases showing little sign of slowing down
without significant interventions, Dr Daly says ongoing education ensures GPs are confident in using appropriate screening tools, applying sound clinical judgement, and staying up to date with evolving management strategies.
Education also helps GPs support patients and carers with accurate information on treatment options, available services, carer support, and legal considerations such as advance care planning.
‘As the first point of contact for many patients, GPs play a pivotal role in recognising the early signs,’ Dr Daly said.
‘These are often subtle and easily mistaken for normal ageing or other conditions.’
Registrations for the Australian Dementia Research Forum are open until 16 May.
Log in below to join the conversation.
Alzheimer’s disease blood-based biomarkers CPD dementia dementia research dementia risk GP education
newsGP weekly poll
As a GP, do you use any resources or visit a healthcare professional to support your own mental health and wellbeing?