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:...
A flexible approach is best

A flexible approach is best

Before I began caring for my mum, I used to plan everything in my life. I was a total control freak. Everything had to be scheduled and my goals all had deadlines. It may sound boring it certainly didn’t do my career any harm. I enjoyed having control over my daily...
Low-protein high-carb diet for brain health

Low-protein high-carb diet for brain health

Low-protein high-carb diet shows promise for healthy brain ageing – is this true? Comments from Alzheimer’s Society… Low-protein high-carbohydrate diets may be the key to longevity, and healthy brain ageing in particular, according to a new mice study from the...