For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Powerful conversations: Preserving cognition and fending off dementia
+Practice
In print
Older people
Powerful conversations: Preserving cognition and fending off dementia
Wednesday 28 February 2024, 12:35 AM

Cognitively stimulating conversations could be the answer for those worried about losing their marbles [Image: Anthony on Pexels]
Specialist GP Ngaire Kerse looks at the issue of dementia in New Zealand, then examines how conversational interactions might help
Key points, Research is under way to determine the prevalence of dementia in different ethnic groups in the community.
It is important to use dementia assessme, Pract Green w Pale Yellow
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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References
Dodge HH, Yu K, Wu CY, et al. Internet-based conversational engagement randomized controlled clinical trial (I-CONECT) among socially isolated adults 75+ years old with normal cognition or MCI: Topline results. Gerontologist 2023; 3 November online. doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnad147