Papers by Alissa Westphal
Occupational therapy in dementia care
Dementia, 4th Edition, 2010
Minimising psychotropic use for behavioural disturbance in residential aged care
Australian family physician, 2015
With the ageing population there will be an increasing number of older Australians who have demen... more With the ageing population there will be an increasing number of older Australians who have dementia and require residential care. Up to 90% of people with dementia in residential care show behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). General practitioners (GPs) have an important role in managing these challenging behaviours. Psychotropic medica-tions, although useful in certain clinical situations, can have significant side effects including increased risk of falls, over-sedation and increased mortality. Non-pharmacological strategies are first-line treatment for BPSDs. The aim of this article is to present the latest evidence in the management of BPSD in residential care. GPs can have a crucial role in managing the needs of people with dementia by providing regular reviews and supporting the implementation of simple, evidence-based, non-pharmacological strategies.
Psychogeriatrics : the official journal of the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society, Jan 3, 2015
This study contributes further research into the assessment and treatment of older psychiatric pa... more This study contributes further research into the assessment and treatment of older psychiatric patients with medical comorbidities. A retrospective file audit was conducted at the acute inpatient psychogeriatric unit of St Vincent's Aged Mental Health Service, Melbourne, in order to determine the prevalence of certain medical comorbidities and the nature of medical interventions provided for psychogeriatric inpatients. This study, investigating 165 admissions into an acute inpatient psychogeriatric unit, highlights that psychiatric and medical comorbidities are routine in this population: the vast majority (91.5%) of all inpatients had at least one medical comorbidity. As the population ages, psychogeriatric wards are likely to see more of the oldest-olds, who are likely to have comorbid medical illnesses. Currently, appropriate detection, investigation, and management of these illnesses are often suboptimal and can affect quality of life, increase mortality, and complicate trea...
Medical co-morbidities in psychiatric patients admitted to an acute assessment and treatment unit in Melbourne, Australia
What can low and high technologies do for late-life mental disorders?
Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 2010
To identify and review the latest research in the use of low and high technology in the areas of ... more To identify and review the latest research in the use of low and high technology in the areas of mood disorders, psychosis, normal ageing, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Technology use varied in type and extent of use across the different areas that have been reviewed. Telepsychiatry, internet-delivered therapy programs and bright-light therapy were used in managing symptoms associated with depression. In psychosis, multisensory therapy, reminiscence and virtual cognitive stimulation showed some benefits. Navigation aids and computerized diaries assisted in maintaining independence in the normally ageing and mildly cognitively impaired, although the benefits of cognitive stimulation are yet to be consistently established. By far, dementia technology received the most research attention. Benefits in this population included reductions in behavioural and psychological symptoms and carer burden and increased independence, task engagement and safety. Research in the use of low and high technology in late-life mental disorders continues to evolve in its scope and innovation. To progress the accessibility and acceptability of technology, involvement of stakeholders and users in the design and application, as well as examination of cost-effectiveness and robust methodologically designed studies are necessary.
Opinion enhancing quality of life in dementia
Asia-Pacific Psychiatry, 2011
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Papers by Alissa Westphal