UK GPs: ‘pointless’ dementia tests
Australian Medical Association president, Dr Steve Hambleton, is disappointed there are no tests as yet which diagnose dementia in its early stages. His comments came after being contacted by DPS News who questioned him about some UK doctors’ refusal to conduct dementia screening tests.
Australian Medical Association president, Dr Steve Hambleton, is disappointed there are no tests as yet which diagnose dementia in its early stages.
His comments came after being contacted by DPS News who questioned him about a British newspaper’s claims about some UK doctors’ refusal to carry out screening tests for dementia, reportedly labelling the tests as “pointless”.
The Daily Mail reports more than half of patients living with dementia in the UK are not receiving a dementia diagnosis.
“These tests are not pointless, but it is frustrating. People living with dementia need more support wrapped around them,” Dr Hambleton says. “It’s disappointing there isn’t a reliable test because by the time a diagnosis is made, the disease has already had an enormous impact on the patient and their family,” he adds.
According to Dr Hambleton, there is no biological marker or blood test to test for early Alzheimer’s or dementia.
“We rely on the patient’s environment and if they’re losing some higher order functions of the brain. We rely on mental state examination,” he says.
Despite some UK doctors reportedly refusing to carry out the tests, Dr Hambleton stresses the importance of cognitive tests.
“It’s really critical you get tested if you’re having problems with your memory,” he says. “The first thing you have to do is this because the problem can be one of the ‘three D’s’ – delirium, dementia or depression.”
Delirium, described as distorted perception, and dementia and depression can all be reportedly associated with experiencing cognitive difficulties.
Dr Hambleton adds the importance of older Australians attending these medical appointments with family.
“It’s really important when someone gets older to encourage carers or family members to accompany their elderly loved one to these medical visits.
“While medical visits are quite private, at a certain stage it becomes beneficial for the patient and helpful for the doctor,” he says.
