GPs need the proper tools to test for dementia

The computerised neuropsychological tests specialist, Cambridge Cognition, has claimed that in order for GPs to be able to meet NHS recommendations to test people more frequently for signs of dementia, GPs need to be given proper tools to do so.

The NHS commissioning board this month published their enhanced service specification, which outlined their recommendation to encourage GP practices to do more testing of patients who are deemed to be at clinical risk of dementia.

The board has also suggested that GP practices should receive incentives to support the health and wellbeing of carers of patients diagnosed with dementia, as well as receiving incentives for offering assessments and referrals to those suspected of having dementia.

In January 2013 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) outlined new indicators to develop a register of carers of patients with dementia, and an annual assessment system for patients who have suspected dementia.

NICE’s Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) advisory committee will decide this summer whether to recommend the described indicators. GP practices have until the end of June 2013 to sign up to the Directed Enhanced Services (DES) which will enable them to qualify for funds under the QOF.

Ruth Keir, chief executive officer of Cambridge Cognition said: “The DES plans published this month are a much needed opportunity to tackle the issue of dementia head on. By prioritizing the identification of, and interaction with, 'at risk' individuals and deploying swift, accurate assessment GPs can smooth the traditionally long and challenging path to diagnosis,”

“However, it is vital that, moving forwards, GPs and health practitioners have access to the tools they need to conduct efficient and effective assessments and ensure they can help patients and their families to plan for the future."

One test which Ms Keir is championing is Cambridge Cognition's own product which operates on an iPad which can aid GPs ability to detect dementia in its early stages.

Speaking about CANTABmobile Ms Keir said: “With nearly half of those in the UK with dementia being undiagnosed there is a huge policy shift towards early diagnosis and intervention and our technology is ideally placed to facilitate this,”