Training aids dementia diagnosis

The three-year research project was carried out in collaboration between researchers at Bradford University and University College London and funded by the Alzheimer’s Society. Published in the BMJ in March, the project looked at ways to improve the diagnosis and management of dementia by GPs. The study of 35 GPs, covering 700 patients, found that providing GPs training in person or through computerised software improved rates of diagnosis threefold.

Clive Ballard, director of research at the Alzheimer’s Society said: “When people are worried about their memory their first point of call should be their GP. Yet we know that many people put off going to their doctor for as long as three years, and when they do it is often difficult for GPs to make an accurate diagnosis. This research is vitally important as it demonstrates that electronic tutorials and diagnostic tools can make a real difference to GPs.

“GPs play a vital role in dementia care, as the needs of people with dementia are mainly met in primary care. Early diagnosis is essential to enable people access to potential treatments and support services.”