Turning principles into practice in Alzheimer’s disease

The prevalence of dementia is reaching epidemic proportions globally, but there remain a number of issues that prevent people with dementia, their families and caregivers, from taking control of their condition. In 2008, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) launched a Global Alzheimer’s Disease Charter, which comprises six principles that underscore the urgency for a more ambitious approach to diagnosis, treatment and care. This review highlights some of the most important aspects and challenges of dementia diagnosis and treatment. These issues are reviewed in light of the six principles of the recent ADI Charter: promoting dementia awareness and understanding; respecting human rights; recognizing the key role of families and caregivers; providing access to health and social care; stressing the importance of optimal diagnosis and treatment; and preventing dementia through improvements in public health. The authors continue to hope that, one day, a cure for Alzheimer’s disease will be found. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals need to unite in rising to the challenge of managing all cases of dementia, using the tools available to us now to work toward improved patient care.     

One urban hospital’s experience with false anthrax exposure disaster response

As a result of our experience, we believe that emergency departments should prepare staff members to recognize and deal with the threat of nuclear, chemical, and biological terrorism. We realize that patients may walk away from an event or use various transportation to the hospital, and thus depending on EMS decontamination teams alone is unrealistic. We have chosen to train all ED personnel (including clerical personnel) to recognize potentially dangerous patients/situations and are expanding this training to include security and information desk staff. We developed a 1-hour videotaped presentation that all ED personnel view during orientation and have added hazardous materials issues to annual competency evaluations. Haz Mat team members have been solicited from throughout the institution and trained following Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommendations. Team members represent a variety of disciplines including nursing, engineering, housekeeping, dietary, respiratory care, EMTs, and paramedics.Additional information and training in domestic preparedness is available from a variety of sources. Partnership with local EMS agencies, fire services, and public health agencies is also helpful. The military and poison centers are invaluable resources for chemical and biological incidents.^{[2] and [5]}