Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Conditions

If any of the following are present or suspected arrange immediate transfer to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergent medical advice if in a remote region.

• Very rapid onset of cognitive +/- other neurological symptoms
• Suspected delirium deemed unsafe to manage in the community by the treating medical practitioner
• Imminent safety risk to self or others

Out of scope services

The following are not routinely provided in a public Cognitive Impairment and Dementia service.

• Outpatient follow-up of adults for acquired brain injury or neuro developmental disorders i.e., except whether there is a new onset of memory/cognitive decline
• Presentations that would be more appropriately assessed and managed by specialist mental health service e.g. where a primary psychiatric diagnosis (e.g. major depression, generalised anxiety disorder, schizophrenia) is the most likely cause of the patient’s presenting symptoms
• Assessments of financial and testamentary capacity
• Formal occupational therapy driving assessments

Intervention Criteria

• Post Diagnosis Counsellor ** (consider referral to Dementia Support Australia for support)
• Genetic testing/counselling Genetic Health Queensland or Neurology Genetics
• Request for ACAT assessment (My Aged Care) Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

** Ideally, in future these services would be included as part of a comprehensive Ax and Mx team.

Specialists list