A study published in Neurology has shown a link between the use of α-1 blockers, a type of drug used to treat urinary symptoms in men with an enlarged prostate, and a lower risk of developing dementia with Lewy bodies (DBL), with a risk reduction of about 40% when compared with men taking other prostate…
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland has partnered with Scottish Opera to develop singing classes for people living with aphasia. Aphasia, which is a common effect of stroke and linked to dementia, involves damage to the part of the brain that controls language, leaving some people unable to speak. The aim of these classes is to…
Family Carers Ireland has published their State of Caring Report 2024. This follows Family Carers Ireland conducting their biennial State of Caring survey, which is the Republic of Ireland’s comprehensive survey to understand the lives and experiences of family carers. You can read the report here: https://familycarers.ie/media/3549/family-carers-ireland-state-of-caring-2024.pdf
Carers UK has partnered with Access Social Care to provide AccessAva, an online resource for unpaid carers in England to access free, independent legal support. AccessAva is available 24/7 and provides legal information, guidance or letters to help resolve issues with social care. It includes guidance on carers’ rights, including accessing a carer’s assessment, alternative…
Dementia Jersey has created new, free, Carers Support Packs with information and advice for people with dementia and their families and friends in Jersey. The packs include: Find out more about the packs here: https://dementia.je/information/resources/carers-support-pack/, email: info@dementia.je or call: 01534 723519
A new report has been published by the coalition of charities involved in Carers Week. ‘No choice but to care’, which includes data from YouGov polling, documents that many unpaid carers feel they have no choice about taking on an unpaid caring role due to a lack of alternative care options. It also looks at…
Duncan Goodwin, 81, from Harrogate, has played in the final of Channel 4’s The Piano, playing an original piece – Theme for Fran, dedicated to his wife of 40 years. Duncan told The Piano viewers that he had been playing the piano since the age of four, and wrote Theme for Fran to show his…
A study published in Nature Mental Health has suggested that dementia could be detected many years before noticeable symptoms emerge by proactive brain scanning. In the study, researchers used a scan of ‘resting’ brain activity to gauge whether people would go on to develop dementia. Researchers estimate 80% accuracy in such scans conducted up to…
The King’s Fund has published a blog looking at the key question: ‘If you had dementia, would you want to know?’ The blog explores complexities around diagnosis and the role of ICS’s (Integrated Care Systems). You can read the blog here: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/blogs/improving-dementia-diagnosis-widening-the-focus
The Homecare Association has published a new report, ‘Expecting the Unexpected: Homecare providers’ views of hospital discharge’. The report, which collates findings from focus groups with homecare providers and a survey of Homecare Association members, shows the importance of getting the discharge process right to minimise stress and prioritise each person’s needs. Key statistics include: …