Dementia Action Week 2023
Dementia Action Week 2023: A double drug breakthrough, diagnosis dilemmas, and how neuro OTs boss memory loss.
We can’t end up in a situation where there are new drugs being approved but people can’t access them early in their dementia journey when they work best – we need more accurate, earlier dementia diagnosis... 
Alzheimer’s Society [1]
Even before this week’s launch of Dementia Action Week 2023, May was proving a momentous month with the news of promising trials of a second Alzheimer’s drug in just 12 months [1].
The new drug, donanemab, appears to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms by 36%. Only last year, another drug, lecanemab, was reported to achieve a 27% slowdown.
Both drugs reduce the rate of decline in memory loss and thinking skills that can result from brain-damaging Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia.
The new treatments “could be the beginning of the end of Alzheimer’s disease,” according to Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Society [2].
However, they may not be effective for people with moderate or severe Alzheimer’s. And, if approved in the UK, it’s likely the earliest donanemab might be available on the NHS is 2025.
Dr Oakley also cautioned, “We need decisions from the regulators, MHRA and NICE as quickly as possible.
“But that’s not the end of the story. We can’t end up in a situation where there are new drugs being approved but people can’t get access to them early in their dementia journey when they work best."
We need more accurate, earlier dementia diagnoses in the NHS.
Diagnosis drive
No surprise then that increasing dementia diagnosis rates is the motivation behind this year’s Dementia Action Week from the 15th to the 21st of May.
And research from the Alzheimer’s Society shows where some of the biggest barriers to diagnosis lie:
- Dismissing memory loss as ‘just part of getting old.’
- Being in denial of symptoms
- Referral times to dementia specialists
In response, the charity has drawn up a symptoms checklist [3] to help people describe their symptoms to a GP or other healthcare professional.
The list explores common difficulties caused by dementia, affecting:
- Memory and mental ability problems
- Performing daily activities
- Mood and behaviour
Neuro OT and dementia
There are currently 944,000 people with dementia in the UK, more than ever before, and this number is projected to increase.
Alzheimer’s Research UK [4]
Our neuro occupational therapists (OTs) understand dementia and how dementia symptoms can impact individuals and those who care about them.
Symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and speech and comprehension difficulties can be frustrating and distressing.
Our neuro OTs are skilled in assessing how dementia symptoms may be affecting someone’s performance of daily living activities.
These may include self-care or domestic tasks, family responsibilities, work roles or hobbies.
And they can offer guidance on evidence-based coping strategies and aids that can help, including:
- Setting structured and familiar routines
- Using reminders, diaries and technology to boost memory
- Creating supportive environments
- Improving functional mobility
- Keeping in touch with other helpful people
Find further expert advice in the ‘Living with Dementia’ guide drawn up by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Alzheimer’s Scotland here: [5]
And find more Alzheimer’s Society guidance on life with dementia here: [6]
Further reading
We must make use of Occupational Therapists when assessing homes for people living with dementia.
There were 19 other dementia housing recommendations too. Find them here: New APPG inquiry.
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References
1. What is donanemab? - Alzheimer's Society
2. Dementia Action Week - Alzheimer's Society
3. Checklist for possible dementia symptoms - Alzheimer's Society
4. Numbers of people in the UK - Dementia Statistics Hub
6. Alzheimer’s Society - About dementia