e-Dementia | High-quality dementia training for Medical Doctors

Overview

Dementia is a syndrome characterised by a progressive decline in cognitive function that goes beyond what would be expected from biological ageing [1]. This decline in cognition is frequently preceded or associated with an alteration in prevalent mood, behaviour, and emotions. One's cognition subsumes the ability to learn, memory, language, judgement, calculation, comprehension and executive functions [1] etc. Dementia affects one or more of these areas of cognition. However, consciousness is spared by this debilitating illness [2]. Dementia can have dire medical, psychological, social, and economic consequences for people with dementia, their caregivers, families, and society. It is expedient for medical doctors to be abreast with current knowledge on dementia which may help make a difference in the quality of care and outcome for patients with dementia.

This article will emphasise a top-quality, award-winning e-dementia training programme designed to equip medical practitioners and other healthcare workers with the knowledge and adeptness needed to provide personalised, expert care to those living with dementia.

Epidemiology of Dementia

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 55 million people live with dementia globally [1]. This number is expected to increase to 78 million in 2030 because of a decline in the mortality rate and a rise in the proportion of elderly people in the general population worldwide [1]. Furthermore, the incidence of dementia is estimated to be about 10 million cases per year [1].

Dementia primarily affects the elderly; it is not a natural part of ageing. It is one of the significant causes of death globally and one of the primary causes of impairment and dependency among the elderly [2].

Risk Factors For Dementia

Many things can increase one's susceptibility to dementia. These factors include;

• Advanced age -  age is the most significant risk factor for dementia. However, dementia does not only affect the elderly; up to 9% of cases are caused by young onset dementia (it is the development of symptoms before the age of 65).
• Genetic - A familial form of dementia, induced by an autosomal dominant mutation, affects only a tiny percentage of people with dementia. Mutations in the precursor protein, presenilin 1 and presenilin have been linked to Alzheimer's disease [3].
• Hypertension - damages the vessels in the brain, increasing the risk for vascular events that can lead to dementia.
• Diabetes mellitus - increases the vascular risk for dementia
• Smoking

Types Of Dementia

There are many types of dementia. Most of these types are a result of neurodegenerative diseases. The significant forms of dementia include;

• Alzheimer's disease - is the most typical type, accounting for 60 to 70% of cases [1]. It is characterised by aberrant protein build-ups, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.
• Lewy body dementia - It is caused by aberrant deposition of alpha-synuclein protein in the brain.
• Frontotemporal dementia - is an uncommon cause of dementia that affects people under the age of 60. It results in deterioration of the frontal lobe. It's linked to unnatural levels and forms of neurofibrillary tangles and TDP-43 proteins [3].
• Vascular dementia - a form of dementia caused by diseases that cause injury to the brain’s blood vessels or disrupt blood and oxygen flow to the brain.
• Mixed dementia - a mix of one or more forms of dementia

Other conditions associated with dementia include; HIV/AIDS, repeated trauma to the brain, Huntington's disease, etc.

Signs And Symptoms Of Dementia

The signs and symptoms of dementia are varied, depending on the underlying aetiology, other comorbid conditions, and one's cognitive functioning before the onset of the illness. The clinical features of dementia can be categorised into 3 phases. They include;

• Early Phase - Symptoms are typically mild. Because dementia develops gradually, the early stages are frequently neglected. The following are examples of typical symptoms in this phase;
• Forgetfulness
• Having difficulty planning or arranging
• Having trouble completing tasks in social or professional contexts
• Getting lost in familiar surroundings
• Middle phase - The features of dementia become apparent as it develops to the intermediate stage and may include:
• forgetting recent events and names
• Perplexity at home
• communication becomes increasingly harder
• Problems with bladder and bowel control
• Requiring assistance in selecting appropriate clothing
• Noticing changes in behaviour, such as wandering and repetitive inquiry
• Late phase - Dementia's late-stage is marked by near-total reliance and inactivity. Memory problems are substantial, and the symptoms grow increasingly noticeable, including:
• being oblivious to time and location
• having trouble recognising family and friends
• having a growing need for help with self-care
• experiencing changes in behaviour, which may include

Management Of Dementia

There is no definitive cure for dementia at the moment [1]. However, advancement is being made in understanding the mechanism of neurodegenerative dementias. This bodes well for disease-specific and disease-modifying therapeutics. For the time being, symptomatic care is the mainstay of treatment. 

You can learn about the latest developments and guidelines for diagnosing and treating dementia by subscribing to the e-dementia training programme.

A Top-Notch Dementia Training Programme For Medical Doctors Worldwide

This high-quality dementia course was created by experts from the University of Bradford using the most up-to-date global research and excellent practices. It also received the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for dementia research in 2015. All of the authors are professionals in the field of adult learning theory.

The programme covers a wide range of subjects, including;

• understanding dementia
• supporting people to live well with the condition
• communicating with people affected by dementia
• supporting families
• end-of-life care

The e-dementia programme focuses on the psychological and social elements of dementia. It includes many video interviews with people living with dementia, many of which provide helpful information about the disease. You can also use interactive exercises to reflect on what you've learned and think about how you might help improve dementia care.

e-Dementia modules are available online. You may study at your own convenience and schedule your training around your busy schedule.

Professor Murna Downs, School of Dementia Studies, University of Bradford, attested to the quality of the e-dementia training programme. She said, "e-Dementia is a high-quality learning tool...informed by the latest research. Learners can better understand what it's like to live with dementia and the importance of person-centred care in enabling people to live well with the condition".

You can get the e-dementia training programme started by visiting our website https://www.healthcarelink.com.au/cpd/listing/e-dementia-high-quality-dementia-training-for-medical-doctors/9558

References

1. “Dementia.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia.
2. Flier, W M van der, and P Scheltens. “Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Dementia.” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, 1 Dec. 2005, https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/76/suppl_5/v2.
3. “What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis.” National Institute on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-is-dementia.