S1 Ep2: The General Practitioner

Professor Dimity Pond is a general practitioner and has honorary Professor positions at Newcastle University, University of New England and the University of Tasmania with the Wicking Dementia Research and Teaching Centre. Dimity has a passion and interest in dementia and aged care.

Dimity emphasises the pivotal role of general practitioners (GPs) in diagnosing dementia and guiding patients through the complex pathway of referral and care. Having a regular GP is invaluable; someone who knows you well can spot subtle changes in memory and function and offer support when you need it most. GPs play a crucial role in connecting patients with community services early on, such as registering with My Aged Care. Importantly, Dimity highlights that a dementia diagnosis doesn’t diminish one's individuality or choices; with the right support systems, individuals can continue pursuing their passions and maintaining a fulfilling life. She advocates the role of secondary prevention where diet, exercise, and social engagement can slow dementia's progression. Family members are encouraged to voice concerns about potential dementia symptoms to a GP. We also discuss with Dimity the role of cognitive screening in primary care and the importance of ensuring screening is in response to raised concerns or known risk factors.

"If you have seen one person with dementia, you have seen one person with dementia. Because dementia presents in many many different ways. And people with dementia have different strengths, different abilities and different ways in which that disease affects them. We need to work with them as individuals."

Hosted by Darshini Ayton and Sarah Carmody

Produced by Darshini Ayton

Music by Luke Champion

An initiative of the Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis which is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of the Wurundjeri Land, the Boonwurrung and the Woiwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Lands which Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Lands.