The Alzheimer’s Society has a photographic competition to celebrate and Remember the Person.
On Tuesday July 20th last year national Dementia web received its first visitors, 58 on the first day – popular from day one! Since this day our visitor numbers have risen quite considerably – from January 1st to May 31st this year we had 18,027 new visitors to add to all those people who joined us last year. The most viewed pages on the site were
We’re sure that the site will go from strength to strength and continue to provide support to families and professionals alike.
Professor Ilana Crome from the Royal College of Psychiatrists headed a group looking at addiction and said that it is an increasing concern with people aged over 65. Significant numbers of people in this age range appear to be exceeding healthy levels for alcohol consumption. Guidelines which state women should not exceed 14 units and men no more than 21 units per week, didn’t take into account how older people’s bodies process alcohol – less efficiently. People in this age group may also experience bereavement, depression, isolation and loneliness. These have been shown as factors in increasing consumption.
Read more about recommendations for safer drinking for older people
The National Institute for Health Research is looking for people across the UK who have first-hand experience of health conditions and/or health and social care services. They are particularly keen to hear from carers.
Join the NIHR’s team of public contributors and you could review research briefing papers or proposals for Department of Health research funding. This work is done at home and at your own pace. Your views would add a ‘real world’ perspective to academic research and ensure that the patient and carer viewpoints are properly included in research that is funded with public money.
Reviewers get guidance and support and are paid a fee for all review work to acknowledge the valuable contribution of ‘experts by experience’.
For more information about these opportunities visit the websites of the research funding centres:
http://www.netscc.ac.uk/getting_involved/
http://www.ccf.nihr.ac.uk/PPI/Pages/default.aspx
Or call us: Alison Ford on 023 8059 7435 or
Jean Cooper-Moran on 0208 843 8042
Social Care Institute for Excellence is arranging FREE training to people from organisations which are registered with CQC. This training is on The Mental Capacity Act and is designed to support the knowledge and practice of senior staff and managers. Read more – MCA training 2011.
Each training session will provide a different focus – learning disabilities, residential and domiciliary care and also Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Further courses can be held in other areas of the country. To find out more and reserve a place contact david.thompason@scie.org.uk or call 02078 317090
“The needs of the UK’s increasing ageing population are having a profound impact on social care and health service delivery. Dementia is one of the major areas of concern for the governments in all countries of the United Kingdom. Some people with learning disabilities, such as people with Down’s Syndrome, are particularly likely to develop dementia. Older people’s dementia services therefore need to take account of this, when designing and delivering care to people who have learning disabilities. ”
This all-day conference is scheduled for Thursday 7th July 2011 and is designed for front-line workers with older people, nurses, GPs, service commissioners, housing managers, family carers and voluntary organisations. Check out details and booking instructions.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has now changed its guidance to the provision of these medications for people in the mild to moderate stages of the disease.
“This guidance replaces NICE technology appraisal guidance 111 issued in November 2006 (amended September 2007, August 2009).
The review and re-appraisal of donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and memantine for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease has resulted in a change in the guidance. Specifically:
Let us know what your experiences have been when requesting these medications, have you been freely offered them by your doctor and do you have any advise to pass onto others when it comes to medications. Use our contact page.
13th to 19th June 2011 is a time to celebrate carers in the UK. This year’s theme is The True Face of Carers.
All over the country there will be activities, events and opportunities meet up with other carers. Find out about events where you live , visit the official website, see how you can get involved.
British and US scientists have identified five new genes associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Five are already known of.
This study gives scientists clues as to how and why Alzhiemer’s disease might develop. Several of these genes indicate that the immune system is involved in the process leading to Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Society news item
Telegraph online news item
Dementia web is expanding into Gloucestershire. Monday April 18th 2011 sees the launch of the Gloucestershire county site. Carers and people affected by dementia can have the same support being currently offered to people in Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Kent & Medway.
Check out the new site later this month. If you know of any local events which would be of interest to Gloucestershire people use the contact us page to let us know. Events can be added to our news section.
Your feedback on the new site would also be appreciated, whether you are a carer of someone affected by dementia or you work with people with dementia and their families.
