What are the features of dementia patients in Australia?

A recent report has described the characteristics of dementia patients at four different sites across Australia. This is part of a large scale trial to determine the features and natural course of disease, along with outcomes from various different treatment options. This research is important as dementia and related diseases affect approximately 1% of the Australian population and are becoming more common as the population ages. In addition many of the drugs available are quite new and little is known about their long term results.

Dementia is described as a progressive decline in the information processing capabilities of the brain. Basically this refers to a decreased ability to think, remember, process thoughts and solve problems.

In its advanced stages dementia can be a devastating disease causing patients to become disoriented to time, place and person. Severe cases may not remember who or where they are, and can forget the names and faces of loved ones.

There are various different causes of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. Most of these act by some damage or breakdown of the nerves or vessels within the brain. However the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is still not known.

Most causes of dementia are irreversible but there are some treatments available that can help slow the progression of disease. In recent years a lot of research has been conducted looking at the cause and characteristics of dementia. Lots of new drugs have been developed and trialed in patients, with promising results. However, as the drugs are relatively new there is little known about their long term effects in the clinical setting.

A research group is therefore conducting a study called the ‘Prospective Research in MEmory Clinics (PRIME)’ study to specifically look at characteristics of dementia and treatment outcomes over time. The study aims to investigate up to 1000 patients diagnosed with dementia and related disorders at various sites across Australia. Patients will be followed for a three year period to see which treatments they use and how well they work.

The study is still ongoing and is continuing to recruit suitable patients. The researchers however have presented some early results at a recent conference in Queensland.

The baseline characteristics of 123 dementia patients were described. Fortunately most patients had only mild cognitive impairment at the start of the trial. As expected Alzheimer’s disease was the most common diagnosis. Despite their condition most patients were still living at home, with their spouse providing essential care and a significant proportion of patients continued to drive.

The most common treatment used was a drug class called cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs reduce the breakdown of a special compound in the brain involved in the function of nerve cells.

The long term results of these and other medications will be available at the end of the study period. Hopefully when the study is completed, medical practitioners will have a better understanding about dementia and the role of different treatments. This should allow doctors to develop better treatment strategies for the many dementia sufferers in the community.

If you or your family member suffers from dementia be sure to see your doctor to discuss suitable treatment options.