RACGP Pushes for Practical Dementia Guidelines to Better Support GPs and Patients
22 Jul 2026
The RACGP has provided feedback on the national review of Australia's Dementia Clinical Practice Guidelines and Principles of Care, which are being updated by Monash University. The review aims to reflect the latest evidence on dementia prevention, diagnosis and ongoing care since the previous guidelines were released in 2016.
The college said GPs are often the first health professionals people see when memory or thinking problems arise. Because of this, the updated guidelines should better support general practice with clear referral pathways, practical clinical advice and access to specialist services.
In its submission, the RACGP said new recommendations should be supported by appropriate funding and consistent access to healthcare services across Australia. It also highlighted the need to consider workforce shortages and the differences in healthcare access between metropolitan, regional and rural communities.
The college noted that some recommended services remain unavailable or are not funded through Medicare. It believes the guidelines should clearly identify these limitations so expectations match what can realistically be delivered in practice.
The RACGP also raised concerns about the lack of clear advice on when cognitive screening should be offered and how patients should move through referral pathways after assessment. It said GPs need practical guidance that fits within the time pressures and administrative demands of everyday general practice.
The submission recommends placing greater focus on preventive care, including managing cardiovascular risk factors, promoting healthy lifestyle changes, supporting vaccination and strengthening structured chronic condition management.
The college also discussed the growing role of blood-based biomarker testing for dementia. While these tests may improve earlier diagnosis, the RACGP noted that they are currently available mainly through private pathology services, making cost a barrier for many Australians. It said wider access and appropriate Medicare funding would be needed before these tests could be used more broadly.
The RACGP believes GPs are well placed to help patients understand the benefits and limitations of testing, coordinate referrals and support informed decisions throughout the diagnostic process.
The submission also highlighted the value of programs that combine lifestyle, medical and preventive strategies to reduce dementia risk. However, the college said these approaches require long-term funding and better access to trained health professionals to be effective.
To keep pace with emerging research, the RACGP is also recommending that Australia's dementia guidelines become a living guideline, allowing regular updates as new evidence becomes available rather than waiting for the next major review.
RACGP Pushes for Practical Dementia Guidelines to Better Support GPs and Patients
Source: RACGP newsGP