Support for dementia carers at work

Support for dementia carers at work

When my mum was first diagnosed with dementia, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the fear of how I would manage her needs with juggling my busy full time job that involved long hours and deadlines. I had no idea how I would cope, especially when mum’s needs...
NHS Continuing Healthcare explained

NHS Continuing Healthcare explained

NHS Continuing Healthcareis a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS that can be in any setting – in the person’s home, or in a care home. It is available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, though the details below may be different in Northern...
Making an Advance Decision

Making an Advance Decision

If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia, it’s worth talking to them about them making an Advance Decision. Also known as an Advance Directive, an Advance Decision is a legally binding document, which outlines what treatment and end-of-life...
Medication for dementia

Medication for dementia

There are four types of medication prescribed to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are no dementia specific drugs available, although the person may be given other drugs to treat underlying conditions, such as heart disease, a stroke in the case of...
We need to get better at diagnosing dementia

We need to get better at diagnosing dementia

A study published today in Neurology Clinical Practice found that brief cognitive tests, used in primary care settings to evaluate memory and thinking in order to identify whether people are likely to have dementia, may often be wrong.  Researchers found that...
Dealing with anger and false beliefs

Dealing with anger and false beliefs

A person with dementia can develop false beliefs and think that someone is ‘out to get’ them. Christina Neal explains how to cope if a distressing situation like this arises.  I remember the day well. It was the weekend before Christmas. My mum’s nursing home...
Six ways to manage challenging behaviour

Six ways to manage challenging behaviour

Don’t let mood swings or what might seem like unusual or inappropriate behaviour leave you feeling exasperated – here’s some useful tips on coping with challenging behaviour.  Dementia can affect a person’s moods, thinking and behaviour, making them more prone to...
Employees with dementia not getting support

Employees with dementia not getting support

Employees with early onset dementia are receiving a lack of support in the workplace and early dismissal, according to research.  Those working in low paid employment are losing their jobs earlier than those working in high paid roles, a large study has found. The...
Coping with confusion and hallucinations

Coping with confusion and hallucinations

It was the strangest situation. My mum rang me one evening and told me that there were people in her living room refusing to leave. She said they were standing around talking and ignoring her. I asked her to put one of them on the phone to me, and I heard her saying:...