News

  • Toolkit on antipsychotics

    The London and Yorkshire & Humber Clinical Networks have developed a toolkit on appropriate prescribing of antipsychotic medication in dementia.  Its aim is to promote good practice and to reduce variation in prescribing practice between the regions of England.  The resource is intended to support primary care, care homes and memory assessment services, among others,…

  • New book series

    A new “Reconsidering Dementia” series of books being published by Open University Press aims to challenge and engage readers to take a fresh look at aspects of dementia care. Edited by Keith Oliver and Dawn Brooker, the series will cover a wide range of topics from psychotherapy, ethical issues, and the role of leisure to…

  • Gene research

    A genetic alternative to the dominant current belief that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a build-up of toxic proteins known as amyloids has been put forward in research published in the journal Nature. A quarter of the population carries one copy of the gene known as APOE4 and this inheritance from one parent doubles the…

  • Hennell Award for Stuart Wright

    Brunelcare dementia care lead Stuart Wright has won the 2022 Hennell Award for innovation and excellence in dementia care.  The award, presented by the University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia (ADS) Studies, recognises people who have significantly contributed to promoting person-centred care. ADS’s Dr Chris Russell commended Wright’s “clear and inspirational leadership qualities”. Wright, who…

  • Paying their respects

    Royal Star & Garter’s senior marketing and communications manager Michelle Danks (left) is pictured at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday, with resident Vera and wellbeing coordinators Leslie and Suzie from the charity’s Surbiton care home for armed forces veterans. “It made me think of the many veterans I have met over the years…

  • Social care neglected again

    Aspects of the government’s autumn financial statement, delivered by chancellor Jeremy Hunt on 17 November, have been greeted with dismay by the sector. While the chancellor said funding for the NHS and social care would be increased by up to £8 billion and help to double the number of hospital discharges in 2024, he also…

  • A global perspective: Call to action

    A report from UK Dementia Congress. Paola Barbarino, CEO of Alzheimer’s Disease International, concluded her talk (via video) with a challenge that resonated strongly with those present: We call on the UK government to commit to the long-awaited reviewing of social care and ultimately improve access to post-diagnostic support for those living with dementia and…

  • DEEP and tide

    Another report from UK Dementia Congress 2022. DEEP – the Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project – is a lifeline, said Dory, who told the audience how DEEP groups across the UK had already had 17 in-person celebrations of the organisation’s tenth anniversary this year: “We’re all unique and wonderful but together we’re a masterpiece. For…

  • Three important numbers

    The third of our reports from the UK Dementia Congress. Colin Capper listed three important numbers, the first of which is that 480,000 people living with dementia have not had an annual care assessment of their needs that they felt was helpful.  Capper, associate director of evidence and participation for event partner Alzheimer’s Society, added…

  • Community-based interventions

    Another report from the UK Dementia Congress. As academic sponsor the University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies (ADS) showcased its ground-breaking research as PhD students Rosemary Davies and Nathan Stephens described their projects. Davies wants to challenge the status quo by improving counselling for people when they have had a diagnosis of dementia.  “Evidence…