The Role of GPs in Helping Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

Caregiver interventions have been shown to reduce caregiver depression, burden of care, and improve their health and quality of life. Caregiver support also benefits the person with dementia (PWD). It is important to recognise that caregivers too need care. Caregivers of PWD are usually middle-aged daughters and sons followed by spouses. Foreign domestic helpers also play a pivotal role in Singapore. Stressors arising from caregiving change at different stages of the disease. As the disease progresses into the advanced stages, stress from having to deal with behavioural problems can lessen as the burden from coping with functional impairments increases. For this reason, caregiver interventions should be stage appropriate. There is a need to work towards creating a positive experience in the GP consultation with the important elements of early diagnosis, providing stage specific information and interventions, and up-to-date information on dementia resources available in the community.

Early Diagnosis of Dementia in the Primary Care Setting

General Practitioners (GPs) play an important role in early detection and initiation of the diagnostic process of dementia. A consideration of barriers and enablers of this process can aid the diagnostic process. Early referral for Specialist evaluation is an important step. The GP can also provide additional advice and support to the patient and caregiver during diagnosis.