| Dementia and Hypertension |
Hypertension SurveyThe University of Wollongong and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Medicare Local are currently working in the region to promote health strategies to reduce the risk of dementia for patients in the Illawarra. Specifically this project is looking to support general practices in their management of patients with hypertension as one way of achieving this objective. Please assist us by completing this short 5 minute survey so that we can better understand the resources and educational activities that will be most useful to support this work with local GPs and PNs. All participants in this survey will be entered in a competition for a 'chance to win' a $250 gift voucher from Amazon.com. If you have any further queries about this project, or would like any further information you can contact Nancy Humpel on (ph) 4220 7600 or (e) This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it The survey can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/IDGP_Survey Hypertension Management Education SessionThe ISML hosted a Hypertension Management lecture for all interested GPs and PNs in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions. The session was presented by Professor Wilf Yeo. A copy of Professor Wilf Yeo's presentation on Hypertension Management can be found here. If you would like access to the 'Framingham Risk Function Spreadsheet' that Professor Wilf Yeo discussed during his presentation, please contact Melanie Cousins at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for a copy. GP Dementia Risk Reduction Education ProjectThe Illawarra Shoalhaven Medicare Local has received funding from NSW Health to implement a GP Dementia Risk Reduction Project in local general practices. This pilot project will actively involve seven local practices and will run until April 2012. The project aims to educate GPs and PNs in general practice settings on the link between hypertension (high blood pressure) and dementia in the 45 years and over age group, encourage the application of blood pressure screening with this target group and the implementation of strategies with patients that seek to avoid or minimise the risk of hypertension and dementia over the long term. Dementia Risk ReductionDemographic ageing is expected to lead to a significant increase in the prevalence of dementia in NSW, with impacts on the health budget and the wellbeing of patients, their carers and families. Access Economics has recently revised its forecasts for the incidence of dementia. Without a significant medical breakthrough, the number of Australians affected by Dementia is expected to increase over four-fold from 245,000 in 2009 to 1,130,000 by 2050. Detailed estimates of dementia incidence and prevalence in NSW can be found at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2009/adhc_dementia.html 1 Dementia is an umbrella term for a variety of diseases that cause progressive decline in multiple areas such as memory, judgment, communication and ability to carry out daily living. The most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer's disease and vascular disease or a mixture of both. While the biggest risk factor for dementia is age, it is not a normal part of ageing. Strategies including combining mental stimulation, social engagement and exercise as well as healthy eating and drinking and prevention and treatment of cardiovascular problems can modify the risk of developing dementia 2,3. Based on current research evidence, treating hypertension ranks as the number one means of reducing the risk of dementia, with increasing mental activity and physical activity ranking second and third. A recent survey undertaken by the Dementia Collaborative Research Centres and Alzheimer's Australia shows that Australians' awareness of preventative strategies is poor and there has been little behavioural change4. Of those Australians that are aware of dementia risk reduction strategies, most are aware of mental activity, healthy diet and physical activity, while a relatively low proportion are aware of the role of maintaining healthy blood pressure. It is reported that 7/10 older Australians have high blood pressure yet many people in Australia remain unaware that they have high blood pressure. There are a number of healthy living or disease specific social marketing awareness campaigns in Australia including from Government agencies, Alzheimer's Australia and the Heart Foundation. None of these campaigns focus specifically on the link between hypertension and dementia. Specific behavioural changes required to reduce hypertension include:
For Further information on the GP Dementia Risk Reduction Education Project, please contact Nancy Humpel on (PH) 4220 7600 or (E) This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Healthy Heart Healthy Mind Community Awareness CampaignAlong with the GP Dementia Risk Reduction Project, NSW Health also funded a campaign to increase community awareness on the link between hypertension and dementia. 'Healthy Heart Healthy Mind' is the slogan for the campaign which also encourages community members aged 45-64 years to have their blood pressure checked regularly by their GP. More information on the 'Healthy Heart Healthy Mind' community awareness campaign will soon be available at www.healthyhearthealthymind.com.au More Information on Dementia Risk Reduction and Managing Blood PressureFor more information on dementia risk reduction and managing blood pressure, click on the following websites: Dementia Risk Reduction: A Practical Guide for General Practice
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