Dementia

In July, Dr Matthew Croucher, a psychiatrist of old age, made himself available to give an overview of dementia and answer questions from the audience. Full, not only of knowledge, but also insight and empathy, the session was of immense value to those who came. It covered an over view …

Creating a “community of care” outside hospital in the wider population could help revolutionize how we look after and care for those with mental health issues and dementia. South Korea has declared a “war on dementia” encompassing ideas around a “community of care”, which includes day dementia-care and prevention clinics, …

A recent study from researchers at England’s University of Cambridge has found that virtual reality (VR) can identify symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease more accurately than ‘gold standard’ cognitive testing. In 2014, researchers discovered what is known as our brain’s “internal satnav” (the entorhinal cortex), one of the first regions to be damaged …

by Wendy Mawson (Dementia Key Worker) Sufferer, victim, demented, senile, patient – these are terms that have been used to describe and define someone living with dementia, it is important to highlight these terms are commonly used by people around the person and not the person themselves. This could include …

At just 57 years old, Amrita Francis’ world turned upside down, with an early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis that within five years would heavily affect her memory and ability to work. Now at 62 years old, ex-music teacher Amrita still remembers how to play classical piano, and she still enjoys her family. …

Research suggests that leading a healthy lifestyle may help to reduce a person’s risk of developing dementia later in life. The general rule is what is good for the heart is good for the brain, so both should be well looked after with a balanced diet and regular physical and …

As a person’s dementia progresses, difficulties with conversation and communication develop.  It can be harder for the person to express what they want to say as well as harder to understand what is being said to them.  This can cause frustrations for both the person living with dementia and the …

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign to raise dementia awareness and challenge stigma. Each year, Alzheimer associations from around the world unite to organise advocacy and information provision events, as well as Memory Walks and fundraising days. This year, the seventh World Alzheimer’s Month, the theme is Let’s talk …

The discovery, for caregivers, that iPads and tablets are a wonderful activity tool for people living with dementia, also brings with it concerns that internet and applications available can be frustrating and how will someone living with dementia avoid becoming overwhelmed. To-date there has been a limited amount of research …

It’s one of the biggest challenges facing the country’s health system – one that will cost the economy $4.5 billion and affect more than 170,000 New Zealanders by 2050. It’s dementia, and 91% of New Zealanders are frightened of it, according to a new survey by Public Trust and Dementia …