Sponsored Post The prospect of research can offer hope to many of those faced with a dementia or mental health diagnosis, as well as family and friends also affected. However, for researchers to continue to find better ways to identify, treat, diagnose, and potentially prevent neurological conditions such as dementia, they need to know as much as possible about what it is exactly. Enter UK Minds, a collaborative nationwide research project between the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) and Akrivia Health that is looking to learn as much as possible about dementia and other mental health ..read more

Singer Tony Christie, who was diagnosed with dementia in January, remains positive about his future and has even recorded a charity single to raise awareness The song Thank You for Being a Friend – re-recorded by singing legend Tony Christie, who announced in January that he had been diagnosed with dementia – has been launched by the Music for Dementia campaign for Thank You Day 2023 in July. Christie was joined by a stellar lineup of singers, musicians and producers, including Sting, Nile Rodgers, Graham Gouldman and Graeme Pleeth, many of whom have lost a family member to dementia. They were ..read more

Do you care for a loved one living alone and worry about the person wandering and getting lost? A new Safe and Found program from MedicAlert could put your mind at rest. There are so many challenges when caring for a person with dementia. If your loved one lives alone and wants to remain independent for as long as possible, you may respect their wishes but worry about them. Getting lost can be a common occurrence when the person’s dementia takes hold. MedicAlert is the leading charity dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals with medical conditions and memory loss. MedicA ..read more

Call-to-Mind is a communication game for those living with dementia which has been researched at University College London and approved by Alzheimer’s Society. It can help to combat boredom and agitation in a person with dementia and is also intended to help make conversation natural and reignite old memories. Website: www.call-to-mind.com Email: laura@call-to-mind.com Tel: 07957 199 305 The post Call-to-Mind appeared first on Dementia Help ..read more

Our Founder and Editor Christina Neal writes about the day she realised her mum’s forgetfulness and confusion were signs of dementia When my mum was diagnosed with dementia, I knew very little about the disease and had only associated it with memory loss, which is what I witnessed in my mum. However, as I delved deeper into caring for her, I realised that dementia encompasses so much more than just forgetfulness. The journey has been challenging, but I’ve learned a great deal about the condition and what to look out for. Looking back, I can see that my mum was displaying signs of dementia long ..read more

Ensuring a person with dementia eats a balanced diet can be a challenge. Here are some common issues that may occur and how to deal with them.   Cravings for sweet foods can increase It’s common for a person with dementia to consume excessive amounts of sweets, chocolate and cakes. Taste buds can diminish when the disease takes hold, and insulin levels in the brain can drop, causing cravings. In addition, as dementia progresses, it attacks part of the brain responsible for self-restraint in our diets. Tip: There’s no harm in the occasional treat but ensure they aren’t replacing proper, nu ..read more

While it can be challenging and emotionally taxing to have conversations with someone who has dementia, it is important to know what not to say to ensure comfort and respect. Here are a few key things not to say when talking to someone with dementia. “Do you remember me?” This question can be frustrating or upsetting for the person with dementia because they may feel embarrassed or ashamed if they don’t remember you. Instead of asking this question directly, try telling them who you are and providing some context around your relationship. This will allow them to recognise you without feeling a ..read more

Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in mental ability. This can include problems with memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making. Dementia affects people of all ages but is most common in older adults. While there is no one-size-fits-all list of symptoms, there are some key warning signs that may indicate someone is developing dementia. Memory Loss One of the most common early symptoms of dementia is memory loss. This can manifest as difficulty remembering recent events or conversations or asking the same questions repeatedly. If you or a loved one are experiencing ..read more

A person with dementia can be subject to mood swings, including anger and aggression. It’s stressful and upsetting for the person and their carer. Here’s why it can happen and what you can do to cope…   We often tend to think of dementia as an elderly person’s disease. This isn’t always the case, however. Dementia can happen to people of any age, and it can be extremely difficult to deal with. One of the most difficult aspects of dementia is aggression. When a person with dementia becomes aggressive, it can be very scary for both them and the people around them. What causes aggression in ..read more

It’s estimated that there are currently around 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK. This number is set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. Dementia is one of the biggest challenges faced by carers. It can be both rewarding and demanding and often requires a great deal of patience. If you’re caring for someone with dementia, it’s important to: Be patient and understanding As every carer will know, this is easier said than done. When you’re tired and drained from being a carer, patience won’t always come along easily. There will be good and bad days. This is normal; accept that there ar ..read more