Compilation of Dementia Prevention Manual for Elderly

Objective: To compile the dementia prevention manual for elderly, it combined with health educational advocacy, medical care, related benefits, and other resources. Through the pictures and text, the manual teaches people how to prevent or screen dementia, help the elderly to understand preventive knowledge and implement it into life. In this way, it can achieve the purposes of early detection and early treatment. Method: The first part is to understand community and institutions elders whose Dementia screening experiences. The questionnaire is separated into two sections, the personal information section is mainly about basic information and health situations; the other section is about the experience and feelings of the elderly, using a semi-structured questionnaire to understand their dementia screening experiences and their needs. The second part is through the participant observation to visit the related medical resources in Beitou district in Taipei. The third part is to compile the dementia prevention manual for elderly. Through the easy descriptions, we hope to tailor a truly suitable dementia prevention manual for elderly. Results: Through interviews we knew the most of the elderly have heard of dementia. Regarding the early dementia screening, the survey found that the elderly have no idea about this aspect of information, and many elders haven't done such check. When case individuals have a chronic disease or limited mobility, or without proper manpower and medical convenience, the elders tend to be less willing of seeking medical treatment, even won’t specifically go for a check. After the compilation of dementia prevention manual was completed, we commissioned clinical dementia specialist, experienced nurses, school teachers, health service centre leader, and community health therapists to do professional proofreading; then we invited community members and family members to conduct the face validity, to made sure the manual is easy for the elderly to read, and confirmed the final version of the health manual. Conclusion: The health manuals combine health education, medical care, social, health, welfare life and other resources to tailor a practical manual dedicated for elderly. After the Manual completed, we provide manual to some elders and their families to use. In conclusion, they indicated that the font of manual is large enough to make it easy to read; it also marks addresses and telephone numbers of medical facilities; the manual is finely designed; and the content is clear and concise. This health manual is worthy of promotion.