Memory matters - Optimising medicine use in dementia
Tracks
3
Sunday, August 3, 2025 |
1:50 PM - 2:30 PM |
C2.5 + C2.6 |
Details
Pharmacists play a critical role in supporting people living with dementia by optimising medication use, reducing cognitive burden, and minimising falls risk. This session will explore the different types of dementia and the impact of certain medications on cognition and mobility. Using a case-based approach, participants will learn how to apply medication review tools to assess medication burden and support clinical decision-making.
Learning objectives:
- Identify the different types of dementia and their impact on cognitive function and daily living.
- Discuss medications that may worsen cognition and increase falls risk in people living with dementia.
- Describe how to use review tools to assess medication burden.
Competency standards (2016): 3.1, 3.5, 3.6
Speakers
Dee-Anne Hull
Dementia Support Pharmacist
PSA
Memory matters - optimising medicine use in dementia
Biography
Dee-Anne Hull is a credentialed pharmacist working as a PSA Dementia Support Pharmacist in a program funded by Country SA PHN, providing specialised dementia medication management to those living with dementia within country South Australia. Dee has a passion for interdisciplinary care to support all patients and values the link between prescribers, pharmacists and patients, along with their families in both the current and future Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) models to aim for the best clinical outcomes for all. Dee's previous aged care experience along with her strong passion for equitable dementia care, only increases advocacy work she does for high-risk populations and having pharmacists wherever medicines are used.
Nicola Sander
Dementia Support Pharmacist
PSA
Memory matters - optimising medicine use in dementia
Biography
Nicola Sander is a committed credentialed pharmacist and diabetes educator with experience in hospital, community and aged care environments. Nicola has been a pharmacy owner and director in a pharmacy that specialises in provision of medication related services to aged care clients and was involved with numerous different facilities where she sat on their Medication Advisory Committees and assisted them in managing their medication related issues. She is passionate in improving the lives of the older generation by empowering them to manage their medicines appropriately and minimising medication related harm. Along with her work as a PSA Dementia Support Pharmacist funded by Country SA PHN, Nicola also works with a provider of RMMR and Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) services to aged care clients where she has enhanced her clinical skills. She thrives on working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams to discuss medications, and medication-related problems. She enjoys educating patients, carers and health providers on medication therapies.
