New research helps GPs diagnose dementia

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 today in the BMJ, 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, says,

'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.

We are delighted that dementia is now a target within the new quality and outcomes framework (QOF) of the GP contract. This means that GPs will be rewarded for setting up a register of people with a diagnosis of dementia and for monitoring their care. However for this to have an impact GPs need more support and information to diagnose dementia effectively.'

Professor Murna Downs, says,

'This research demonstrates that practical measures such as training and computer software can significantly improve the diagnosis of dementia by GP's. This is extremely important as a good diagnosis by the GP is an essential cornerstone for effective treatment and care.'

Dr Steve Iliffe says,

'This study demonstrates that case-based learning, in the workplace, changes clinical practice. The Alzheimer's Society can provide the trainiAlzheimer'sin text and electronic formats to interested general practitioners, and I recommend their use by GP trainers and registrars, as well as by all GPs preparing to meet the new targets for dementia care. The decision support system is already available to those practices using the EMIS medical records system.'

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society says,

'Our research programme is guided by the priorities set by carers and people with dementia and they consistently tell us that better care and understanding of dementia at GP level and early diagnosis would make a big difference to their lives. It would enable them to plan and to ask for support.'

The CD ROM is available free of charge to GPs from the Alzheimer's Society.

Notes for editors

• Effectiveness of educational interventions in improving detection and management of dementia in primary care: cluster randomised controlled study. BMJ, Saturday 25 March 2006
• The study involved 35 GPs, covering 700 eligible patients. The diagnostic rates were as follows: Workshops (31%) Decision Software (30%) Control (11%)
• People currently on the drug treatments will continue to receive them.
• A CD-rom, which has been developed from this research, is available for GPs.
• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers.
• Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.
• There are 18,500 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.