The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has rejected new Alzheimer’s drug, lecanemab, for use in the NHS in Scotland. This aligns with the view of NICE (which we covered here: https://journalofdementiacare.co.uk/mhra-licence-lecanemab-for-use-in-the-uk) when considering lecanemab for use in the NHS in England and Wales. The reasons given by the SMC are similar to NICE. Anyone eligible for…
Dementia Carers Count (DCC) has published their 2024 survey findings in a report entitled ‘What if…I’m not there to care?’ The title is inspired by one of the key findings in the report that shows 76% of dementia carers do not have any contingency plans in place for when they aren’t there to care. Frances…
The Daily Sparkle has launched Reminisce Radio. Reminisce Radio is a dementia-friendly radio station offering music, stories, poetry, and reminiscence designed to spark memories and conversations. Reminisce Radio can be played via Alexa devices by following these steps: – Open the Alexa app on your tablet or smartphone – Select ‘Skills and Games’ – Search…
The William Sutton Prize for Connected Communities has been launched. The Prize supports innovative, impact-led ideas that enhance social housing residents’ physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Up to £25,000 in funding, along with support from Clarion and the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art, is available. The organisers say: “No…
The Lewy Body Society has shone a light on Capgras syndrome, a condition in which someone believes that their loved ones, or others they know, have been replaced with a double or imposter. To illustrate how Capgras syndrome affects families, The Lewy Body Society has shared the story of Rob and his partner Jayne. Jayne…
University College London (UCL)’s Insight46 study has linked regular physical activity throughout life to changes in the brain which could reduce the risk of developing dementia. Insight46, funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK and the Medical Research Council (MRC), began in 2015 and analyses health data collected from a unique group of volunteers from England, Scotland…
The Alzheimer’s Society is collaborating with Dekkle, a fine art printmaker and publisher, on ‘Your Art, Your Legacy’ a competition for people living with dementia to celebrate and preserve their artistic legacies. Three winners will receive a tailored online viewing room and a custom-made photographic book featuring up to 20 of each winner’s artworks. Entries…
Alzheimer Scotland has shared information from Social Security Scotland about financial support available for people with dementia and unpaid carers in Scotland. You can read the information here: https://www.alzscot.org/news/financial-support-for-people-with-dementia-and-unpaid-carers-information-from-social-security
The 117th Medical Officer of Health Report 2023-2024 for the States of Guernsey has suggested that by 2043 there could be a 61% increase in numbers of people with dementia on the island. The report, entitled: ‘Investing in Tomorrow – Prioritising Prevention’, written by Nicola Brink MBE, Medical Officer of Health/ Director of Public Health,…
The University of York (with partners) has been awarded almost £5m of funding to manage and operate a new NIHR RSS (Research Support Service) Hub for social care in England. The funding, which runs between 1 February 2025 and 31 September 2028, will see the University of York’s NIHR RSS Hub complement the existing NIHR…