OPENING OF A MEMORY CLINIC IN THE PROVINCE OF PAVIA: Evaluation of Case-finding Strategies and Care for People With Cognitive Decline and Their Caregivers.
Dementia is a global public health challenge with a heavy caregiving burden, impacting families, communities, and healthcare systems. It is a priority in healthcare planning, with focus on early diagnosis and ongoing support. This research project addresses the global public health challenge posed by dementia, focusing on early detection and comprehensive care. The research evaluates the clinical, social, and healthcare impact of two dementia-related projects in Italy: 1. the first Ricor-Dare, aims to create an integrated network for identifying new cases of dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and providing care to patients and caregivers; 2. the second involves establishing a new Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia (CCDD) in an area previously lacking such services. The primary goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of case-finding strategies promoted by the Ricor-Dare project for the early detection of cognitive decline. Researchers will compare three different settings in which case-finding will be conducted: at the general practitioners' offices, at the Dementia Operations Center, and at Open Days for the general population. The aim is to measure how many individuals in these three settings are diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia, compared to those identified as potential cases through cognitive testing. The secondary goal of the study is to assess the social, care, and prevention impact of the activities offered within the two projects. This includes evaluating the experiences of patients and families who access the new CCDD in the province of Pavia, the impact of care pathways on caregivers, and comparing the effectiveness of the new CCDD with existing ones in the region of Lombardia. The study will also assess the role of the Ricor-Dare project in addressing the needs of patients, caregivers, and professionals, as well as the effectiveness of awareness-raising and training activities on dementia. Overall, the study aims to provide valuable insights into improving care for people with dementia and supporting their families and caregivers.
• Age 50 or older
• Assessment conducted using GPcog/ACE-III depending on the setting
• No prior diagnosis of cognitive decline
• Ability to understand the study objectives and sign an informed consent
⁃ Patient:
• All patients/people who are included in one of the actions provided through the Ricor-Dare Project or who are attending a visit scheduled in the clinical-care pathway of the CDCD Fondazione Mondino Pavia or Lomellina;
• Ability to understand the aims of the study and to sign an informed consent
⁃ Caregiver:
• Age equal to or greater than 18 years
• Informal caregiver of a family member with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of dementia who is included in one of the actions provided through the Ricor-Dare project or who are attending a visit scheduled in the clinical-care pathway of the CDCD;
• Acceptance of informed consent and voluntary participation in the study.
⁃ Healthcare professionals:
• All healthcare and social healthcare professionals (GPs, pharmacists, nurses, nurses auxiliary) who practice in the cities of Pavia and Vigevano who participate in the project and agree to undergo assessments and training;
• Acceptance of informed consent and voluntary participation in the study.