• Ageing typically results in a decrease in adult born neurons with a subsequent decline in cognitive function
• Physical exercise has been demonstrated to increase both neurogenesis and cognitive function
• We have identified an optimised exercise period in very aged animals that improves cognition
• We then went on to examine key exercise-mediated mechanisms involved in these improvements

Felicity will present an overview of the role of music therapy in residential care home contexts including the latest research findings and currently ongoing research. She will also introduce a protocol for a family-carer home based music intervention to manage the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and to support the maintenance of a meaningful relationship between the family-care and person with dementia.

• There are a number of physical health conditions (physical comorbidities) that occur more commonly in people with dementia than in the general population of the same age.
• This presentation provides an overview of these physical conditions which accompany and complicate dementia.
• Covering the underlying pathology and evidence-based recommendations on how to recognize and manage these conditions.
• Providing practical suggestions for health professionals and caregivers on improving care for people with dementia.

• Misuse of psychotropics for BPSD includes failure to obtain consent
• Aged Care environments provide unique contexts for prescribing and intervening
• The Electronic National Residential Medication Chart provides an opportunity for shared information regarding consent and its documentation

Authors include Dr Tiffany Jessop UNSW, Empowered Project, Capacity Australia; Christine Veal, Webstercare; Anne Nagel, Webstercare; Gerard Stevens, Webstercare

• ‘Home-like’, small scale or clustered domestic models of residential aged care are increasing in availability internationally
• Within Australia a comparison of this model of care provided for people living with dementia with standard Australian care showed associations with better outcomes for residents
• Running costs of providing this model of care were no higher and projections of possible capital cost implications will be discussed
• How can we increase implementation of these models of care in Australia?

Changing culture within care environments to truly bring together person centred care and skilled service provision is a major challenge. The Montessori Approach offers a promising way forward. This presentation will highlight the outcomes of a two-year, longitudinal mixed methods research study in a memory support unit, demonstrating the benefits to residents, families, staff and the care environment. Researchers have included Associate Professor Anne Whitworth, Dr Jade Cartwright, Dr Michelle Bennett.

• What are the main elements of the law informing Advance Care Planning
• What role is there for doctors in helping patients to engage in Advance Care Planning?
• Who else can help a person engage effectively in Advance Care Planning?
• How can you provide practicable and appropriate support so that a person can exercise their decision making capacity?
• What are the key communication/listening issues to consider when assisting a person, living with dementia and their family members, to engage in Advance Care Planning?
• How can a family member gather information which reflects their understanding of a person’s preferences and values?
• What might good Vs poor Advance Care Planning look like?
• What obligations are there for aged care providers in relation to Advance Care Planning?

Explored through the story of a person living with Dementia, the panel will unpack complex issues, explore experiences in different clinical settings and discuss how challenges can be managed. At the end of the discussion, we will put some key questions to the audience for their consideration.

• Introduction – rules of the game, how to vote, who is on the panel. 5min
• Background & Context – sets the story up (not sure what it is yet!) 2 min
• Inkling/ early changes – family response, health system – especially primary care response 10 min
• Living with dementia – Treatments, Driving, EPOA, the timing for RAC and triggers. The transition to RAC will raise discussion on BPSD, continence, night care issues and isolation 20 min
• Caring/Supporting and Dying well with Dementia – the enacting of the EPOA, the questions of self-determination, dignity of risk and taking control and Adv Care Planning 10 min