Access to Ambulance Services for People with Dementia: A Comprehensive Review of Facts, Challenges, Strategies and Future Scopes

Abstract

Dementia is a progressive neurological impairment, causing a significant public health challenge worldwide. This pathological condition is characterized by cognitive decline and impairment in memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform daily activities. In Australia, dementia is a major health issue, with over 472,000 cases as of 2022. As the population ages, it is expected for this number to increase to 1.1 million by 2058, if no effective interventions are found.The impact of dementia on individuals, families, caregivers, and society in general, leads to an increase in demand for healthcare and emergency services. Currently, there is limited research on challenges that are faced by individuals with dementia in navigating the healthcare system for a timely and proper access to emergency care such as ambulance services. This review article will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the access of patients with dementia to ambulance services and the impact of dementia on ambulance utilization. This article also identifies the opportunities and directions for future research and interventions to improve the care and outcomes for individuals with dementia in the prehospital setting.