S1 Ep6: The Metropolitan Geriatrician

Associate Professor Michael Woodward is Head of Aged Care Research and the Memory Clinic at Austin Health in Melbourne, Victoria. He is a specialist in geriatric medicine with major interests in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias. He is Principal Investigator for numerous research trials of new therapies for AD and related disorders.

Michael describes working in aged care as a uniquely holistic approach to medicine, addressing not just the symptoms but the entire well-being of the patient. Michael’s journey into geriatrics and dementia care came through his involvement in various clinical trials where he developed a profound passion for the field. Michael's role involves evaluating patients referred for dementia assessments as a geriatrician and also managing cases in his capacity as a rehabilitation physician, where he often encounters patients who reveal memory issues that predate their surgeries.

When faced with the question, "Is this dementia?" Michael starts with a thorough patient history, engaging with both the patient and their family. This is followed by a series of clinical assessments, cognitive screenings, and routine tests. Michael is fortunate to work at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne, where he has access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools such as amyloid PET scans and specialised blood tests. These advanced facilities allow him to detect biomarkers indicative of Alzheimer’s Disease, ensuring a high level of diagnostic accuracy.

In addition to his clinical work, Michael is dedicated to shaping the future of dementia care by mentoring the next generation of doctors. The field of geriatrics is the fastest growing speciality within the Australasian College of Physicians, yet Michael notes a significant need for specialised dementia training among general practitioners and other specialists, like cardiologists, who work with older people. He also points out the uneven distribution of geriatricians, with a concentration in metropolitan areas compared to rural regions in Australia.

Michael observes that our understanding and management of dementia have evolved significantly over the years. While the time required for a diagnosis has increased compared to twenty-five years ago, the accuracy of diagnoses has improved, allowing for more personalised care. He emphasises the growing importance of dementia support services, such as dementia navigators, to guide individuals through the complex diagnostic and management process.

"I want to have better treatments, and I want the journey for those with dementia to be much better than it is for many of them now."

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.