World Fronto-Temporal Dementia Awareness Week 24th September through to 1st October 2016
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a combination of conditions resulting from the progressive degeneration of the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. These two areas of the brain play a critical role in decision-making, emotional behaviour and speech. FTD is also known as Pick’s disease or frontal lobe dementia. The second internationally recognised FTD Awareness week takes place from Sept 24th – Oct 1st 2016. This year, for the second time, countries across the globe will observe World FTD Awareness Week. FTD support organisations in at least 10 countries will collaborate on many exciting events and outreach activities, along a ‘Food for Thought’ theme. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a combination of conditions resulting from the progressive degeneration of the temporal ...
What can be gained by the early diagnosis of dementia?
The estimated prevalence of dementia in 2013 was that there are 815,827 people with dementia in the UK, of whom 773,502 were aged 65 years or over. This represents one in every 79 (1.3%) of the entire UK population, and 1 in every 14 of the population aged 65 years and over. It is estimated that there are now 42,325 people with early-onset dementia (under the age of 65 years) in the UK. It would be unthinkable not to screen, diagnose and treat people with cancer, yet dementia is still not universally recognised, socially understood or professionally managed through adequate care and support. Reasons vary for low diagnosis rates in the UK; some families are reluctant to come forward for ...
‘Untested drugs for dying’ bill given government backing
A new law that would allow terminally-ill patients in England and Wales to be given untested medicines has received government backing. A new law that would allow terminally-ill patients in England and Wales to be given untested medicines has received government backing. The Medical Innovation Bill proposed by Lord Saatchi would allow some people dying of cancer to be voluntarily treated with unlicensed drugs. The bill has been amended to require doctors to get the agreement of another specialist to prescribing the drugs. That safeguard has led the Department of Health to give its support. Conservative peer Lord Saatchi has been campaigning on the issue since his wife, the author Josephine Hart, died of ovarian cancer. The bill, which would ...
Sharp rise in care delays ‘piles pressure on hospitals’
NHS England data showed the number of patients delayed in hospital because they cannot get services such as council home help or a care home place has nearly doubled in two years. The rise is being linked to the cuts in town hall care budgets seen in recent years. But councils said a squeeze on their finances had forced them to cut back. A sharp rise in waits for care services is piling the pressure on the NHS in England, hospital bosses are warning. NHS England data showed the number of patients delayed in hospital because they cannot get services such as council home help or a care home place has nearly doubled in two years. The rise is being ...
Research explores possibility of early Alzheimer’s diagnosis
A small study has taken place in Canada, with recent news claiming the tests carried out could accurately predict the onset of Alzheimer’s disease up to two years earlier than is currently possible. A small study has taken place in Canada, with recent news claiming the tests carried out could accurately predict the onset of Alzheimer’s disease up to two years earlier than is currently possible. This type of test is not new to the scientific community, and as it was only carried out with a small group of people, the study was too small for the findings to be medically significant. However, it could lead to larger studies taking place in the future which could positively benefit dementia research. ...
Preventing and Treating Urinary Tract Infections – avoiding admissions
Each month The Good Care Group reviews and analyses our client activity in order to understand the greatest risks facing our clients, and to develop strategies for management of these risks. Each month The Good Care Group reviews and analyses our client incident activity in order to understand the greatest risks facing our clients, and to develop strategies for management of these risks. We have recently focused on the proactive management of urine infections with the aim of speeding up the diagnosis process. We know that urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the leading causes of hospital admission for our clients. Anything we can do to either avoid a UTI developing, or to identify and treat it sooner, will ...
Overcoming age-related high cholesterol
High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are common among older people, and can lead to a range of serious health conditions High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are common among older people, and can lead to a range of serious health conditions. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that carries out many crucial roles within the body. The two types of cholesterol are: LDL: Referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, this compound clings to blood vessel walls and causes a build-up that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. HDL: Known as ‘good’ cholesterol, HDL helps to remove LDL from blood vessel walls and a sufficient supply reduces your overall risk of cardiovascular disease. This article discusses why over 65s often ...
NHS funding cuts ‘forcing people to buy medicine through Facebook’
Desperate people denied treatment due to NHS funding cuts are risking their health by buying and self-administering medication from overseas countries despite serious concerns the tablets may be harmful. Doctors have warned patients could be risking their lives by using the so-called “buyers clubs” which have emerged in groups on social media sites such as Facebook. The online networks link up people denied medicine on the NHS with pharmacists in India and Australia who can then form their own sales agreements together, before the tablets are dispensed and posted them to homes in the UK. Desperate people denied treatment due to NHS funding cuts are risking their health by buying and self-administering medication from overseas countries despite serious concerns the ...
New guidelines for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease
One of the most concerning aspects of Alzheimer’s disease for those living with the condition, their families and their home care companies is the absence of a definitive cure. One of the most concerning aspects of Alzheimer’s disease for those living with the condition, their families and their home care companies is the absence of a definitive cure. However, scientists across the world are researching potential cures and knowledge about the condition is increasing all the time. Even though a cure has yet to be discovered, the increased knowledge and awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are helping to improve best practice in dementia care. Updated guidelines: the key to better dementia care? Earlier in April 2011, ...