Newest Dementia Australia Honorary Medical Advisor promotes dementia-specific tools for GPs

Dementia Australia has officially welcomed Dr Marita Long as the newest Dementia Australia Honorary Medical Advisor today. 

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said Dr Long, who is a Victorian based GP working across clinical practice, medical education and research, with a strong interest in women’s health and dementia, has made a significant contribution to dementia treatment and care.

“We are honoured to welcome Marita’s medical expertise and passionate advocacy onboard at Dementia Australia,” Ms McCabe said. 

Dr Long is a current committee member for the Australian Society of Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynaecology, a member of the Women in General Practice (Vic) RACGP committee, the Victorian/Tasmanian director on the Board of the Australasian Menopause Society and a co-host of the podcast Dementia in Practice. 

Dr Long shared that she is looking forward to commencing her role as Honorary Medical Advisor. 

“I am thrilled to join forces with Dementia Australia to raise dementia awareness and provide support for people living with dementia, mild cognitive impairment and the medical practitioners providing care,” Dr Long said. 

“It is essential that GPs are better supported and equipped with risk reduction and diagnostic tools to provide informed, personalised support for people of all ages, living with all forms of dementia as well as for people with mild cognitive impairment, their families and carers.” 

One resource Dr Long recommends for GPs when treating patients with dementia diagnoses or general cognition concerns is Dementia Australia’s GP referrer pack. The referrer pack includes a dementia service guide, The Dementia Guide, information on the BrainTrack app and a GP referral script pad.

The script pad in particular provides further support, information and resources by directing patients to Dementia Australia for support. GPs fill out a pre-prepared form template and have the options to forward the referral to Helpline@dementia.org.au, suggest their patient directly contact the National Dementia Helpline or alternatively complete an online referral at www.dementia.org.au/referral/script. 

“Whether a patient is seeking a clearer understanding of their diagnosis, guidance on adjusting to change, or further education about cognitive impairment, these GP referral scripts can validate their concerns and prompt important conversations with qualified helpline advisors.” Dr Long said. 

Order a GP referral pack here: https://www.dementia.org.au/resources/health-professionals/order-your-gppack.  Dr Long is presenting at the upcoming HealthEd Seminar, Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Health Update on Saturday, 16 March 2024, and at additional seminars across the country this year. Register to attend a seminar near you via https://www.healthed.com.au/seminars/womens-childrens-health-update/ 

In her lecture, Dr Long will cover dementia and mild cognitive impairment as a significant health issue. She will discuss the importance of validating and exploring an individual’s concern about cognition, speaking directly to how GPs can provide a more comprehensive cognitive assessment. 

 If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.