DementiaRoadmap Wales
Promoting living well with dementia across Wales
Neurology
Neurology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of conditions and disease involving the central and peripheral nervous system.
Neuropsychology studies the functions of the brain as they relate to specific psychological processes and behaviours. Neuropsychological tests are administered by a neuropsychologist, a specialist trained in the relationship between the brain and mental functions such as memory, language, and perception. The types of tests vary according to the subtype and stage of dementia.
Detection of brain atrophy by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is now a recommended approach for diagnosing early changes in dementia and is increasingly beginning to be used in clinical settings. Recent guidance recommends that structural neuroimaging should be used routinely in the assessment of people with suspected dementia to exclude other (potentially reversible) pathologies (1-10%) or establish the sub-type of dementia. The guidance also recommends that multi slice Computerised Tomography (CT) scans with coronal reformatted views are the most cost effective option first line of the structural neuroimaging options available.
Resources
- Dementia stakeholder groups – action plansJune 29 2011These plans outline actions for improvement across four key priority areas: improving service provision, early diagnosis, access to information and training.
- Younger people with dementiaMay 19 2015This factsheet published by the Alzheimer's Society explores at the types of dementia that younger people under 65 years of age may have, some of the difficulties that they might experience and where support can be found.
- Guidance on the use of neuro-imaging in the assessment of dementia in Primary CareSeptember 12 2013This guidance for Clinical Commissioning Groups and Health and Wellbeing Boards covers the role of neuro-imaging in the assessment and diagnosis of dementia in primary care.
Groups
- Aneurin Bevan University Health BoardAneurin Bevan University Health Board covers the areas of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen and South Powys. It serves an estimated population of over 639,000, approximately 21% of the total Welsh population.St Cadoc's Hospital, Lodge Road, Caerleon, Newport, Wales, NP18 3XQ01873 732732abhb.enquiries@wales.nhs.ukhttps://www.aneurinbevanhb.wales.nhs.uk/
- Faculty for the Psychology of Older PeopleThe Faculty for the Psychology of Older People (FPoP), formely known as PSIGE, is part of the British Psychological Society's Division of Clinical Psychology. It works to encourage the exchange of information, ideas and expertise about psychological approaches with older people.St Andrews House, 48 Princess Road East, Leicester, LE1 7DR0116 252 9515Reinhard.Guss@kmpt.nhs.ukhttps://www.psige.org/info/dementia+workstream
- Cognitive neurology and dementia centreThe Cognitive neurology and dementia centre at St George's Hospital is a regional specialist centre for cognitive neuroscience and dementia, that works closely with other hospitals from across South West London, Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire, and with GPs, community nursing teams, mental health services and social services.St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QThttps://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/service/neuro/cognitive-neurology-dementia/