Presenters
Dr Suzanne Bush - Community Geriatrician
Renee Hamilton - RN, Health Improvement Practitioner
Heather Lackner - Alzheimers Manager/Educator
Victoria Muchmore - Clinical Nurse Specialist for Older People
Chris Gaul - Nurse practitioner ambulatory care
This workshop is available in person and Teams.
Supported by
Nelson Bays Primary Health
RNZCGP
Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ
New Zealand Nursing Council
Learning objectives
This workshop is open to all clinicians interested in improving the primary care approach to dementia.
* Understand and apply the local dementia pathway within everyday primary care practice, including how it aligns with current roles, workflows, and decision‑making.
* Strengthen early identification and brain health conversations by recognising cognitive change, discussing lifestyle and risk factors, and initiating timely screening and assessment in general practice.
* Recognise and manage complexity in dementia care, including identifying patients with complex needs, making appropriate referrals, and navigating services effectively across the system.
* Deliver a proactive, coordinated primary care approach that improves long‑term outcomes for people living with dementia and their whānau, reduces crisis presentations, and makes effective use of community supports such as the Alzheimer’s Society.