A NEW set of support resources will aim to foster clearer communication between people who have been diagnosed with dementia, health care professionals and their carers.
The new resources; a combined initiative of Alzheimer's Australia and NPS MedicineWise, aim to provide comprehensive information about symptoms of distress a person with dementia may experience and the best ways to deal with them.
NPS MedicineWise medical adviser Andrew Boyden said medications could present a number of risks for people living with dementia.
"These resources are designed to support people living with a diagnosis of dementia to work in partnership with their doctor or other health professional, especially when it comes to appropriate use of medicines," he said.
The new resources include a downloadable, printable information booklet covering a range of issues including consent, appropriate use of medical resources, and non medicinal therapeutic options.
There are also fact sheets on strategies to deal with distress, conditions that commonly occur alongside dementia and medicine management tips.
The online resource will also feature videos where people tell their personal stories about the illness, which can be shared on social media.
For more information, call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, the NPS Medicines line on 1300 633 424 or visit nps.org.au/dementia to download the resources.
