What you'll learn in this expert session
Dementia is more than just a memory problem; it is a leading cause of death and disability among older Australians. While there is currently no curative treatment, timely diagnosis can allow for interventions that may slow disability and improve quality of life for those affected by this chronic disease. Many barriers exist to diagnosing dementia in primary care, including the absence of a single definitive diagnostic test. In this presentation, Dr Marita Long, General Practitioner, outlines a more structured diagnostic process that may improve healthcare professionals’ confidence in diagnosing dementia.
About the Expert
Dr Marita Long
Dr Marita Long is a Victorian-based GP working across clinical practice, medical education, and research. She has recently been appointed as a Lecturer in the Department of Primary Care at the University of Melbourne. Marita has a strong interest in women’s health and has completed a Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health. She is a current committee member of the Australian Society of Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynaecology, a member of the WIGP RACGP committee, and the current Vic/Tas representative on the board of the Australasian Menopause Society. Dr Long has developed and delivered numerous educational workshops both in person and online, and she is passionate about upskilling GPs to provide evidence-based care to patients, particularly women, who often feel unheard. She is actively engaged in various dementia-related projects, is one of the co-hosts of the podcast Dementia in Practice, and has been appointed an Honorary Medical Advisor for Dementia Australia
