A Consistent Primary Care Physician Improves Treatment for People with Dementia
Dementia News: Having a consistent primary care physician improves treatment for people with dementia.
The University of Exeter examined the case files of 9,000 people with dementia and found those who had the same primary care provider for at least a year (and who saw that PCP at least three times in the year) were prescribed fewer medications, and they were less likely to be prescribed medications with negative side effects such as incontinence, dizziness, and increased fall risk.
These people with dementia were 58% less likely to experience incontinence, which is not only embarrassing, but it is also a cause of depression and anxiety in people with dementia and their caretakers.
People with a consistent PCP were 35% less likely to experience delirium, an acute and dangerous state of confusion.
They were also 10% less likely to have an emergency hospitalization.
reference: Delgado, J., et al. (2022). Continuity of GP care for patients with dementia: Impact on prescribing and the health of patients. British Journal of General Practice.