High Risk Medicines and Deprescribing in Dementia

The High Risk Medicines and Deprescribing in Dementia Workshop is a professional development initiative jointly delivered by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and Country SA PHN. This workshop is designed to enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia in rural and regional South Australia by equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to identify high-risk medicines, optimize medication management, and implement deprescribing strategies. Dementia affects over 10,000 people in rural South Australia, with numbers expected to rise significantly over the next 25 years. Medication-related problems contribute heavily to hospital admissions, costing Australia an estimated $1.4 billion annually. Alarmingly, four in ten people are prescribed potentially inappropriate medicines, and individuals with dementia often experience longer hospital stays (average 15 days compared to 2.7 days). This workshop emphasizes the preventable nature of up to 50% of medication-related problems and highlights the critical role of pharmacists, GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals in reducing this burden. Through interactive sessions, participants will learn to identify high-risk medicines, evaluate tools for assessing polypharmacy, and develop person-centred deprescribing plans. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing the importance of holistic care that integrates non-pharmacological interventions. Delivered across multiple South Australian regions between February and June 2026, the workshops are free to attend but require prior registration. Each session runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with refreshments provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a smartphone or device to participate in interactive activities via Mentimeter. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to apply evidence-based deprescribing strategies, reduce medication risks, and contribute to improved health outcomes for people living with dementia. This initiative underscores PSA’s commitment to supporting healthcare professionals in regional communities and advancing the safe, effective, and person-centred use of medicines.