The common factor in countries that have good social care for older people is that their societies push for it, so accept paying higher taxes, whereas in the UK there is no such push, because of ageist attitudes.
We all have memories of Christmases past, that can be evoked by Christmas celebrations. There are also activities that families can do at Christmas that help boost faith and cognition, and that will bless everyone involved.
It looks like a long-limbed monkey doll, but a therapeutic device newly released by Cardiff Metropolitan University improves the wellbeing of people with advanced dementia
Hospital can be discombobulating for any patient, but those living with dementia find it even more disconcerting. Dr Jennifer Bute, a senior GP who has been living with dementia for 14 years, shares on this Zoom from professional and personal experience. And Louise Morse describes the one thing that physiotherapists say is usually missing, that is vital to their good care.
New research shows that a friend who listens and using technology to stay in touch increases brain volume, improves cognition by ‘4-years worth’, and staves off dementia.
The risk of getting dementia increases with age, but new data shows that 80 year-olds who exercise have less risk than younger, sedentary adults.
The most important aspect of dementia care is helping to hold intact the identity of the person with dementia (Kitwood, 2010) As the disease progresses it can seem that the person has changed and is not recognisable as who he/she used to be. But changed behaviour does not mean that the person has disappeared.
In her book Dr Jennifer Bute tells of how people with dementia have been enabled to communicate. In this Zoom meeting she describes the techniques that are the most effective, and the results.
Losing a sense of smell has been shown in studies going back to 2017 an indicator that the person is developing dementia, and following the principle of ‘use it or lose it’, Louise Morse intends to exercise her capacity by smelling the new wild rhubarb disinfectant spray.
Fast food eateries are familiar and comfortable social spaces that older people like, says recent research from Michigan. And socialising boosts cognitive health, and reduces the risk of dementia.
Analysis of late data following unsuccessful trials of an ‘anti-Alzheimer’s’ drug showed that it might help a few people if given earlier and in larger doses. Now approval for further trials are to be fast tracked through the American FDA
Scott Mitchell is grieving now that his beloved wife, Barbara Windsor, is in a care home with dementia. A little book written by experts can help make the most of visiting.
Written for dementia caregivers: Shakespeare’s sonnett 116 describes the love that alters not when alteration finds
The danger that dementia poses for all of us, and the heartbreaking stories of people struggling with it, who need care.
Excluded from the care home because of the Covid crisis, each day he blows a kiss over the wall to his wife of 49 years.
Thousands of people caring for a loved one with dementia are cut off from people who normally encourage and help them, because of the Coronavirus crisis. They need our prayers – and deserve our applause!