With patients as co-researchers, report calls for dementia support
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A new report is calling for changes to the approach to treating dementia.
The report, titled Transforming Life with Dementia, was released Monday during an event at at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in Grand Rapids.
The National Council of Dementia Minds says the project took a new approach: It was put together with the help of 65 people with dementia ranging in age from 47 to 92, who assisted as co-researchers instead of merely study subjects.
The organization says patients are often told to get their affairs in order and may not get a follow-up appointment for a year, but that more should be done early to support them.
“It is asking people living with dementia what they want and need from the day they’re diagnosed to one year out. Typically, care partners are given the support and information — which is wonderful, I’m a care partner, we need that information — but we also need to provide the information, support and education to persons who are newly diagnosed,” National Council of Dementia Minds Executive Director Brenda Roberts said.
Clinical trials eye repurposed drugs to help with Parkinson’s disease
Some the report’s 131 recommendations include better tailoring care specifically to dementia patients, improving training for doctors, increasing peer support, better educating people on the benefits of early diagnosis and making sure people who are employed and diagnosed with the disease are aware of accommodations provided through the Americans with Disabilities Act.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
