Table 3 Delphi consensus statements
From: What should we know about dementia in the 21st Century? A Delphi consensus study
Item | Category | Interquartile range | Responders scoring 5 in round 3 (%) | Score change between rounds 2 and 3 (z) | Significance (p) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Full consensus items (n = 5) |  |  |  |  |  |
Dementia refers to a group of diseases that affect the brain | Characteristics of dementia | 0 | 100% | -1.63 | .10 |
Behavioural changes are symptoms of dementia | Symptoms and progression | 0 | 100% | -2.00 | .05 |
Assessment of a person with dementia is important to determine whether they are suffering from treatable and co-existing medical and psychiatric conditions | Diagnosis and assessment | 0 | 100% | -2.00 | .04* |
Non-pharmacological interventions are often more appropriate for treating dementia-related behavioural problems | Treatment and prevention | 0 | 100% | -1.63 | .10 |
It is possible for a person with dementia to live independently during the initial stages of the condition. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 100% | -1.89 | .06 |
Very high consensus items (n = 31) |  |  |  |  |  |
People with dementia have a disease that affects the structure and function of their brain. | Characteristics of dementia | 0 | 93% | -1.51 | .13 |
Dementia is not a part of normal ageing. | Characteristics of dementia | 0 | 87% | -1.13 | .26 |
Dementia is a terminal condition that will result in death. | Characteristics of dementia | 0 | 80% | -1.47 | .14 |
Dementia most commonly affects older adults. | Characteristics of dementia | 0 | 80% | -2.00 | .05 |
Memory loss is a symptom of dementia. | Symptoms and progression | 0 | 93% | -1.63 | .10 |
Difficulty with problem solving is a symptom of dementia. | Symptoms and progression | 0 | 93% | -1.89 | .06 |
Dementia affects people across five domains: cognitive, functional, psychiatric, behavioural, and physical. | Symptoms and progression | 0 | 87% | -1.47 | .14 |
Difficulty making decisions is a symptom of dementia. | Symptoms and progression | 0 | 87% | -1.41 | .16 |
Difficulty with learning is a symptom of dementia. | Symptoms and progression | 0 | 87% | -1.73 | .08 |
It is possible to communicate with a person who has advanced dementia. | Symptoms and progression | 0 | 87% | -1.41 | .16 |
A person with advanced dementia may be able to communicate non-verbally. | Symptoms and progression | 0 | 87% | -1.41 | .16 |
Pain in a person with dementia should be identified and treated. | Diagnosis and assessment | 0 | 93% | -1.41 | .16 |
Delirium should be ruled out in a person with suspected dementia. | Diagnosis and assessment | 0 | 87% | -1.52 | .13 |
Depression in a person with dementia should be identified and treated. | Diagnosis and assessment | 0 | 87% | -1.63 | .10 |
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. | Diagnosis and assessment | 0 | 80% | -1.19 | .23 |
Psychotropic medications may cause undue harm to a person with dementia. | Treatment and prevention | 0 | 93% | -1.86 | .06 |
There is currently no cure for dementia. | Treatment and prevention | 0 | 87% | -1.47 | .14 |
Psychosocial interventions can improve quality of life for people with dementia. | Treatment and prevention | 0 | 80% | -1.27 | .21 |
Some of the risk factors for dementia are modifiable. | Treatment and prevention | 0 | 80% | -1.89 | .06 |
The wishes of a person with dementia should be taken into account when planning for their treatment and care. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 93% | 0.00 | 1.00 |
A person-centred approach to care is appropriate for a person with dementia. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 93% | -1.00 | .32 |
Caring for a person with dementia can be stressful. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 93% | -2.06 | .04* |
Caregivers of people with dementia require support. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 93% | 0.00 | 1.00 |
A person with dementia may retain more understanding than they can express. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 93% | -2.24 | .03* |
Most people who have dementia live in their own homes in the community. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 87% | -.82 | .41 |
Education following diagnosis is important to help a person with dementia and their carer to manage the condition. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 87% | -.82 | .41 |
Aggressive and invasive treatments are often not appropriate for people with dementia. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 87% | -2.06 | .04* |
Relationships remain important for a person with dementia. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 87% | 0.00 | 1.00 |
People with dementia should continue to be involved in meaningful physical, social, and mental activities. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 87% | -1.41 | .16 |
A person’s past can be important for understanding behavioural problems. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 87% | -.54 | .60 |
It is important to plan the future care of a person once a diagnosis of dementia has been made. | Care for people with dementia | 0 | 80% | -1.60 | .11 |
Very low consensus items (n = 11) |  |  |  |  |  |
Dementia is not a psychological condition. | Characteristics of dementia | 2 | 13% | -.42 | .67 |
Difficulty with movement is a symptom of dementia. | Symptoms and progression | 2 | 27% | -1.30 | .19 |
Difficulty with swallowing is a symptom of dementia. | Symptoms and progression | 2 | 27% | -1.66 | .10 |
People with dementia often have other chronic medical conditions. | Symptoms and progression | 2 | 27% | -.09 | .93 |
The course of dementia is unpredictable. | Symptoms and progression | 2 | 20% | .00 | 1.00 |
Wandering is a symptom of dementia. | Symptoms and progression | 2 | 13% | -1.04 | .30 |
Difficulty speaking is a symptom of dementia. | Symptoms and progression | 2 | 13% | -.42 | .68 |
Dementia has discernable stages. | Symptoms and progression | 2 | 6% | -1.31 | .19 |
Early diagnosis of dementia improves treatment outcomes. | Diagnosis and assessment. | 2 | 27% | -1.29 | .20 |
Exercise for the person with dementia can improve symptoms. | Treatment and prevention | 2 | 27% | -1.75 | .08 |
A palliative approach to care is appropriate for a person with dementia. | Care for people with dementia. | 2 | 40% | -.88 | .38 |