The Ministry of Health has approved a new standard for dementia care: what will change for patients

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has confirmed new rules for the treatment of people with memory and cognitive problems.

According to the new standard, doctors have received instructions on rapid diagnosis, proper referral of patients between different medical institutions, and modern methods of treatment and monitoring.

'More than 55 million people worldwide face dementia, and almost one in five individuals aged 60 has mild memory and thinking problems — this may be a precursor to dementia, manifesting in memory loss, attention issues, or decreased thinking speed.'

The updated standard includes a clear plan for diagnosis and collaboration among various specialists: from family doctors to neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other professionals.

This document includes four tools to help doctors assess the condition of patients with cognitive problems: the MMSE and MoCA tests to detect memory and thinking impairments, the NPI questionnaire to assess behavioral symptoms, and the BADL scale, which determines how cognitive impairments affect a person's daily life.

All medical facilities must adjust their work to the new standard to ensure consistency and effectiveness in providing assistance to patients.

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has approved a new standard of medical care for patients with dementia and cognitive disorders, which entails a systematic approach to providing comprehensive care for this category of patients. The updated standard includes new algorithms for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, as well as requiring collaboration among various specialists to improve treatment outcomes. Such steps help enhance the medical system and ensure quality care for patients with mental illnesses.