Challenges in Dementia: Tools and Strategies for Improving Geriatric Patient Care

Overview:
Dementia disorders in the senior population are a growing healthcare crisis. An estimated 4.5 million Americans aged 65 years and older have Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the majority between 75 and 84 years old. This number is expected to triple by 2050, to 13.2 million Americans, due to the growth of the oldest age groups in the US. Recent estimates place the costs of care attributable to AD at $100 billion a year, which would render it the third-most costly disease in the US – more expensive than diabetes and osteoarthritis combined.

Optimal geriatric care requires a multidisciplinary approach to dementia in seniors that includes an understanding of the physiology of aging and the recognition of the unique issues facing the geriatric patient. This population is often afflicted with chronic illnesses and comorbid conditions (including mental illness) that necessitate a number of prescription medications. Some of these medications may possess anticholinergic properties which can reduce or negate the overall effectiveness of treatment. Cognitive impairments associated with dementia such as memory loss, confusion, and executive function loss are likewise significant barriers to medication adherence.

Treatment plans need to be individualized and focused on optimizing function while minimizing complications that may lead to loss of independence or early institutionalization. It is vital that healthcare professionals encourage patients, their families and their caregivers to take additional responsibility in managing their condition.  

In an effort to improve overall patient care and quality of life, initiatives such as Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) and the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) are being utilized across the country.  These types of initiatives help to bridge the gap between the entire multidisciplinary care team (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists), health plans and, most importantly, the geriatric patient.  

The goal of this symposium will be to provide all those involved with optimizing care for geriatric patients with a review of the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities for dementia, as well as valuable strategies and tools that can be used by dementia patients, their families and caregivers to maintain and improve medication adherence.

Faculty
Eric Tangalos, MD
Professor of Medicine
Mayo Clinic

Program Date
Thursday, October 2, 2008
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Presentation

ACOVE close x     The Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) contains a set of quality indictors (QIs) to comprehensively measure care provided to vulnerable older persons at the health system, health plan or medical group level. This population is comprised of community-dwelling individuals aged 65 and older at a greater risk of death or functional decline over a 2-year period. Clinical experts developed this list of QIs using existing guidelines and clinical opinions; indicators cover the areas of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. There are currently 26 conditions covered within ACOVE, including sleep disorders. These QIs can form the basis for identifying areas of intervention, and helping to improve overall patient care. The ACOVE Investigators (2007). Introduction to the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders-3 Quality Indicator Measurement Set. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2007. 55(s2), S247–S252.