Managing dementia-related cognitive decline in patients and their caregivers.

BACKGROUND: There are over 332 000 Australians living with dementia. On average, families notice symptoms 3 years before a firm diagnosis is made. These symptoms are chronic and typically progressive and terminal.

OBJECTIVE: To address some key aspects of providing person-centred care for a patient diagnosed with dementia, including considerations for family and caregivers, from a general practitioner's (GP) perspective.

DISCUSSION: GPs play a crucial part in managing the needs of people with dementia and caregivers by providing ongoing support and by facilitating access to evidence-based care. Scheduled, regular reviews of people with dementia and their caregivers should become standard practice, and psychosocial interventions that can assist both parties should be offered.