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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healthy Ageing Clinic (HAC)

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healthy Ageing Clinic (HAC) provides specialist geriatrician services in a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

people over 50 years of age with chronic or complex conditions relating to ageing, frailty, disability, and cognitive problems. Please refer to HAC information for clinic details. GPs can refer via GP Smart Referrals searching Geriatric Medicine in the Condition and Specialty box or send a referral to Metro North Central Patient Intake.

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