The Christie charity
People with dementia or mild cognitive impairments tend to have poorer outcomes after surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy compared to patients who do not have such impairments. These outcomes include; increased use of anti-psychotic medication, longer hospital admission, increased chance of discharge to nursing/residential homes and loss of skills and abilities.
The psycho-oncology team has a specialist nurse with expertise of working with people with dementia. The team can provide an assessment of people with suspected dementia, memory problems or cognitive impairments and refer on to the most appropriate services in the community. The team also provides advice and guidance to patients, carers and staff on; what dementia is, symptom management, risk assessment and management, discharge planning and management of behaviours that challenge.