Penticton group advocating new approach to dementia care after Switzerland visit

A Penticton nurse who attended the Brain Health Services conference in Geneva wants British Columbia to adopt a broader, earlier model of dementia care that emphasizes early diagnosis, risk profiling and coordinated support.

Laurie Devolder, a clinical study nurse with the Medical Arts Health Research Group in Penticton, recently attended the Brain Health Services conference in Geneva after being accepted into an international dementia care initiative. She and her team hope the province will consider a more comprehensive approach to dementia that starts earlier and offers coordinated services beyond a single cognitive test. The model discussed in Geneva emphasizes early diagnosis, risk profiling using genetic testing or biomarkers, and ongoing support through clinical programs. Medical Arts already runs clinical research trials, memory cafes and memory clinics as part of its local work. Key points: - Laurie Devolder attended the second annual Brain Health Services conference in Geneva as part of an international initiative on dementia care and research. - The Brain Health Services Initiative focuses on early diagnosis, comprehensive patient care, and integration of new brain-health tools. - Devolder noted there are 14 modifiable risk factors reported to delay dementia, including hearing and vision, diet, exercise, cardiovascular health and sleep. - The Medical Arts Health Research Group operates clinical trials, memory cafes and memory clinics in the region. - The team proposes a "whole-brain health clinic" model that would move from diagnosis to prevention, cognitive support and potential clinical drug trials. - They are seeking backing from physicians, the community and local MLAs to help bring changes at the provincial level. Summary: The group aims to introduce a more comprehensive, earlier intervention model in BC that emphasizes risk profiling and ongoing support, which they say could delay or prevent some people from entering care facilities. They plan to draw on their clinical work and international connections to adapt evidence-based practices locally. Undetermined at this time.