Announcing a new regular feature:
‘Focus on Diagnosis'
Beginning with Dementia, our Focus on Diagnosis section will be based around the following structure
- An introduction to the topic by a health professional working in the relevant field
- Articles: contributed by sufferers, carers and newly-diagnosed
- The Basic Facts: signs/symptoms, prognosis, treatments, lifestyle effects etc.
- Where to go to find help and more in-depth information
- Top Ten hints and tips for living with the problem, aspects of daily living
- Quotes/links from MHNE members
- Member Spotlights
- Support from Celebrities
- Podcast audio interviews
- YouTube links to diagnosis related clips
Please contact us with any ideas for future diagnosis spotlights or the type of content you would like to see included in these features. Any experiences you or your members would like to share or if you or they would like to contribute maybe with an interview or podcast please contact MHNE.
25 simple steps to help prevent Alzheimer's
19/04/2012 11:22:15
Alzheimer’s strikes fear in all of us. The thought of losing your mind as you grow older is terrifying and made worse by the fact that, before now, there appeared to be little we could do to slow down or avoid Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia According to Jean Carper, 79, an American medical journalist, there could be hope. In her international bestselling book, 100 Simple Things You Can Do To Prevent Alzheimer’s, a host of experts reveal scientifically-backed, easy tips about how to head off the disease, ranging from eating vinegar to surfing the net.
Click HERE to view article from the daily Mirror outlining 25 of these tips
Shocking lack of training for hospital staff to care for dementia patients
19/04/2012 11:09:57
Hospital staff looking after dementia patients, receive a “shocking” lack of training. Two-thirds are not taught how to cope with the thousands of vulnerable people with the condition. This means many sufferers are denied the care they need and only receive “impersonal” treatment.
While hospitals say they have policies in place, these are not always followed and simple steps are not taken that could lessen the distress to patients, most of whom are elderly.
The study said the encounter between staff and patients 'is mainly task-related and delivered in a largely impersonal manner' while the hospital environment is 'often impersonal'.
Daily Mirror Click link to read more
Details lacking on 'new Alzheimer's test'
18/04/2012 10:37:51
An article published yesterday in the Daily Express reports that a “breakthrough” new test for Alzheimer’s could “pave the way to early diagnosis years before the devastating symptoms appear”. Its front-page news story says that scientists are hailing the new test as a potential way to identify people who are likely to go on to develop Alzheimer’s, so they could potentially be treated early. However also reporting on this story an article on the NHS Choices website states that very few details of this research have been confirmed, as the research has not yet been fully published. This means it is hard to tell whether the technique will prove useful in a medical setting, particularly as there are still only limited options for slowing Alzheimer’s if it is detected early.
Click HERE to access full article
New test for Alzheimers
17/04/2012 11:53:11
A BREAKTHROUGH in the fight against Alzheimer’s could pave the way to early diagnosis years before the devastating symptoms appear.
Scientists are hailing a new test which detects changes in the brain that can help to identify those people who are likely to go on to develop the disease.
Potential sufferers could be spotted and treated early, delaying the onset of the illness by years and allowing what few remedies are available to minimise its effects.
Click HERE to access full article
NEW BATTLE TO CURE DEMENTIA
13/04/2012 10:47:43
MEDICAL experts last night vowed to do their utmost to try to avert a dementia time bomb that could soon cripple the health service.
More than a million British sufferers will need care as the World Health Organisation warns that globally the disease could claim four victims every second.
But while it reports that the number of people struck down is expected to triple in 40 years, researchers in Britain vowed to strive to find better treatments and improve diagnoses.
By Jo Willey (Daily Express April 13, 2012) Click HERE to read more
Cameron’s challenge on dementia
12/04/2012 13:29:47
David Cameron has introduced a programme of work with the aim of bringing about a major set of improvement in dementia care and research by 2015. The Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia builds on the achievements of the existing National Dementia Strategy.
The main thrust of the programme will focus on improving four areas:
- awareness
- quality care
- research
- dealing with dementia
Geordie Sinatra –
10/04/2012 12:03:00
This new production looking at dementia is By Fiona Evans and Directed by Chris Monks
That’s life, that’s what all the people say; You’re riding high in April, shot down in May… Welcome, to the coolest party in town. Kick back, snap a Dunhill, help yourself to the liquor cart and let Frank ‘The Voice’ Sinatra serenade you ‘till the wee small hours. Well that’s what’s going on in ex-club singer Geordie’s head anyway. His dementia induced hallucinations are causing daughter Nancy major headaches that make her wonder ‘what would Ava Gardner do?’
Presented by Live Theatre Newcastle
Wed 18 April to Saturday 12 May TICKETS: £10 to £18 BOOK NOW In association with New Writing North
STATINS HALT ALZHEIMER'S
04/04/2012 10:37:03
STATINS used by millions of people in Britain to prevent heart illness could be the key to beating Alzheimer’s, say researchers.
A daily dose of the pill costing as little as 40p may ward off the cruel brain disease.
Scientists found that Simvastatin – the statin most frequently prescribed in the UK and commonly given to elderly patients – improved blood flow in the brain while boosting learning and memory.
The breakthrough could have vital consequences for the long-term health of the nation. At least 850,000 people here have dementia, with more than half suffering from Alzheimer’s. The figure is expected to soar by 1.7million within the next 40 years as the population ages.
The new study brings hope of halting the illness through early intervention. More than six million people in this country take statins, usually in a 40mg dose, to reduce artery-clogging cholesterol which in turn can cause heart attacks, heart disease and stroke.
Click HERE to view complete article
How to make a home dementia-friendly
04/04/2012 10:15:16
Simple design changes can help people with dementia stay in their homes for longer, according to research by the University of Stirling.
Professor June Andrews from the university's dementia unit, shows Lorna Gordon how homes can be designed to help people with the illness.
She also explains how a virtual care home has been created online, to allow people to access the information more easily.
Click HERE to view podcast
Home design 'can help dementia'
04/04/2012 10:00:34
Design and colour can help people with dementia live in their homes for longer, according to University of Stirling researchers.
They say that awareness of simple things like lighting and saucepans could make life more manageable for people with dementia.
Click HERE to view podcast