New treatment model cuts dementia hospitalisation

An innovative model of dementia care has resulted in a lower rate of hospital admittance.

The process involves an initial cognitive assessment including neuropsychological testing, an MRI, a medication review and a neurological and physical evaluation. The results of which are used to develop a personal treatment plan that changes medications and exercise to suit.

Developed by researcher-clinicians from the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Medicine, the team tried out the new model on 1,000 patients with dementia.

Those treated saw 45 per cent fewer hospital A&E visits and a 54 per cent cut in hospital stays, compared to those not on the treatment plan.

"Patients treated utilising the ABC model have fewer behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia after one year than they had at the onset of treatment," said Regenstrief investigator Dr Malaz Boustani, associate professor of medicine at the IU School of Medicine and the medical director of the Wishard Center.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes