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Something in the @AlzResearchUK #chatathon stuck with me: people questioning the value of an #dementia #earlydiagnosis when there's currently no 'effective' treatment available. Here are some of the reasons @BetterResearch gave & more (thread) @DementiaUK https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dementiaresearch
1. An #earlydiagnosis of #dementia – and access to the right services and support – can help people #takecontrol of their condition, #plan for the future and #livewell with dementia!
@alzheimerssoc @age_uk @DementiaUK @KCL_OAP
@alzheimerssoc @age_uk @DementiaUK @KCL_OAP
2. An #earlydiagnosis of #dementia gives the best chance of a treatment being effective. Dementia diseases are #progressive. So the earlier you catch it, the better outcomes that are possible.
@alzassociation @ProtectStudy @rcpsychOldAge
@alzassociation @ProtectStudy @rcpsychOldAge
3. An #earlydiagnosis of #dementia gives you immediate access to up to date #clinicaltrials/ #research. It lets clinicians/researchers know that you're eligible & can advise what's available to you. We need you more than you know! We're all in this together! @beatdementia
4. An #earlydiagnosis of #dementia provides the opportunity to review your finances & discuss w family/legal experts to make arrangements for a lasting power of attorney and advance decisions!
Critical for long term care ( #LTC)! e.g. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29667568/ @hscwru
Critical for long term care ( #LTC)! e.g. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29667568/ @hscwru
5. An #earlydiagnosis of #dementia helps someone to continue living independently at home for longer. Thus avoiding unnecessary/early admission to #carehome or #hospital, enhancing #qualityoflife for the person/carers, & providing sig. savings on #LTC costs! @ARK_KCL @age_uk
6. An #earlydiagnosis of #dementia will help to eliminate the possibility of other, potentially treatable, conditions with dementia-like symptoms being responsible for memory, communication, behaviour and other problems. @NHSuk @UKDRI @rcpsych
7. An #earlydiagnosis of #dementia will give experts the opportunity to examine your symptoms more specifically. Research/treatments are progressing rapidly...and some that are specific to underlying causes. The knowledge of dementia #subtype could be essential.
8. An #earlydiagnosis of #dementia will give you the opportunity to check on any state or #socialsupport that you or your family may be entitled to.
@DHSCgovuk @CareEngland
@DHSCgovuk @CareEngland
9. An #earlydiagnosis of #dementia opens you to access wonderful early stage #supportgroups, with the chance to form new #peer relationships to share feelings, information and #copingstrategies. You are not alone and we are with you!! @DementiaUK @beatdementia
10. An #earlydiagnosis of #dementia may be tough, but others have actually spoken about how the new certainty of their reality gave them a sense of acceptance and calm. @Being_Patient_
11. An #earlydiagnosis of #dementia helps to remove individual & societal #stigma, #fear and #misinformation about the diseases. Like any disease, we must not fear/hide from the dementia's...it needs to be discussed in the open...if we face them 'head on', we will triumph!
12. The benefits of an #earlydiagnosis of #dementia is best explained from personal experience. See the wonderful @Norrms explain her experience here:
@rcpsychOldAge @beatdementia @ExeterMed
@rcpsychOldAge @beatdementia @ExeterMed
13. There are many other benefits, at an individual nuanced & societal level. If you feel I've missed any major ones...please do comment and share.
p.s. @BetterResearch is AMAZING at spreading #dementia news for #patients & #researchers - benefits of #earlydiagnosis is just one!
p.s. @BetterResearch is AMAZING at spreading #dementia news for #patients & #researchers - benefits of #earlydiagnosis is just one!
