Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

  • If any of the following are present or suspected, please refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or follow local emergency care protocols or seek emergent medical advice if in a remote region.

    • Very rapid onset of cognitive +/- other neurological symptoms
    • Suspected delirium deemed unsafe to manage in the community by the treating medical practitioner
    • Imminent safety risk to self or others

  • Please note this is not an exhaustive list of all conditions for outpatient services and does not exclude consideration for referral unless specifically stipulated in the CPC out of scope section.

  • The following are not routinely provided in a public Cognitive Impairment and Dementia service.

    • Outpatient follow-up of adults for acquired brain injury or neuro developmental disorder i.e., except whether there is a new onset of memory/cognitive decline.
    • Presentations that would be more appropriately assessed and managed by specialist mental health services e.g. where a primary psychiatric diagnosis (e.g. major depression, generalised anxiety disorder, schizophrenia) is the most likely cause of the patient's presenting symptoms.
    • Assessments of financial and testamentary capacity
    • Formal occupational therapy driving assessments.
    • Out of scope for Cognitive Impairment and Dementia interventions

    Not all services are funded in the Queensland public health system. Exceptions can always be made where clinically indicated. It is proposed that the following are not routinely provided in a public Cognitive Impairment and Dementia service:

    • Post-Diagnosis Counsellor: Consider referring to Dementia Support Australia for additional support.
      Note: Ideally, these services should be integrated into a comprehensive assessment and management team in the future.
    • Genetic testing/counselling Genetic Health Queensland or Neurogenetic disorders | Clinical Prioritisation Criteria
    • Request for an Aged Care Assessment can be requested through the Single Assessment Organisation (formally known as ACAT and RAS) via the My Aged Care website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/healthprofessionals
    • Dementia Research

Last updated: 24 January 2023

© State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2023

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