Recommendations of the 5th Canadian Consensus Conference on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Ismail, Z., Black, S. E., et al. (2020).
Alzheimer's & Dementia, 1-14.
This clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for the management of individuals with dementia.
Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging; Réseau des Cliniques Médicales du Québec (Canada); Réseau Québecois de Recherche sur le Vieillissement (Canada)
"We recommend following the World Health Organization 2019 guidelines for risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia including:
<ul>
<li>(a) audiological examination and/or otoscopic examination; </li>
<li>(b) the review of medications for potential ototoxicity; [and]</li>
<li>(c) referral to otolaryngology for persons with chronic otitis media or who fail otoscopy" (p. 1188).</li>
</ul>
When accessible, empirically-supported individual computer-based and group cognitive training should be proposed to people at risk and to individuals with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia; however, no specific program can be currently endorsed.
Group cognitive stimulation therapy is recommended for individuals with mild to moderate dementia.
If hearing loss is confirmed in individuals with dementia, then audiologic rehabilitation may be recommended including behavioral counseling and techniques, and possible use of a hearing aid or other device.
While no particular intervention approach is recommended, individuals with dementia should be advised to increase or maintain engagement in cognitively stimulating activities including:
<ul>
<li>cognitively stimulating pastimes;</li>
<li>volunteering; and </li>
<li>life-long learning.</li>
</ul>
Individuals with dementia and reported symptoms of hearing loss should undergo a hearing assessment conducted by an audiologist meeting provincial regulations for the practice of audiology. Audiometry should be used to confirm hearing loss.
