Emergency Care for Persons Living with Dementia

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Emergency Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Emergency departments (EDs) can identify patients with dementia.
• Persons living with dementia (PLWD) have distinct emergency care needs.
• Effective care practices improve outcomes for PLWD in emergency settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of identifying dementia in ED patients.
• To discuss unique care needs and challenges for PLWD in the ED.
• To explore strategies for improving emergency care and transitions for PLWD.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing assessments for dementia identification in EDs.
• Analysis of specific care needs of PLWD, including ADLs and behavioral symptoms.
• Examination of communication strategies involving care partners.
• Evaluation of transition of care interventions from the ED.

Main Results:

• Assessments exist to identify dementia in ED patients.
• PLWD experience challenges with daily activities and exhibit behavioral symptoms.
• Improved communication and care coordination positively impact outcomes.
• Community paramedicine shows promise for post-ED transitions.

Conclusions:

• Dementia screening in EDs is feasible and beneficial.
• Tailored communication and care are crucial for PLWD.
• Optimizing ED transitions is essential for reducing adverse outcomes.
• Interventions like community paramedicine can support PLWD post-discharge.