The ‘conversation starter’ tool and website, co-designed with consumers and carers, allows people with dementia to better understand and articulate their health needs and even reduce the number of prescribed medicines.
Dr Nagham Ailabouni from The University of Queensland’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences said the PRIME tool – PReparing people living with dementia to Initiate conversations about their MEdicines – is intended for people with memory problems including Alzheimer's disease, dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
“Talking to healthcare professionals can be daunting for people with dementia and their carers,’’ Dr Ailabouni said.
“Consumers have asked for a resource to help them navigate these conversations and report that using the PRIME tool gives them confidence to ask relevant questions."