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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)
Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) 2/2011

01-06-2011 | Review Article

Caring for dementia carers: the role of general practitioners in Ireland

Author: C. O’Connor

Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Issue 2/2011

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Abstract

Background

Dementia patients in Ireland live 8 years on average after diagnosis and health policy aims to ensure patients are cared for in the home for as long as possible.

Aim

To assess the role of general practitioners in Ireland caring for dementia carers.

Methods

A PubMed search (1980–2010) was performed using MeSH terms “caregivers or carers”, “Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease”, “family physician or general practitioner”. An English language restriction was imposed and the search continued to June 24th 2010.

Results

Psychosocial multidisciplinary interventions that unite education, skills training, management of psychological problems and family support in the community are effective in managing the problems of carers and should be facilitated by general practitioners.

Conclusions

Dementia carers form an important yet understated patient group who present unique challenges for general practitioners in Ireland.
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Metadata
Title
Caring for dementia carers: the role of general practitioners in Ireland
Author
C. O’Connor
Publication date
01-06-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) / Issue 2/2011
Print ISSN: 0021-1265
Electronic ISSN: 1863-4362
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0671-3

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