Dementia

Reports on a study which took place at a memory clinic in the south west of England to investigate the reasons why people with dementia and their carers do, and do not, stay physically active. The study also wanted to find out which activities would be acceptable and sustainable for people with dementia and their carers. Five people living with Alzhiemer's Disease and their five spouse carers were interviewed using semi-structured interviews.

BACKGROUND: In European countries, knowledge about availability and utilization of support for informal caregivers caring for older persons (≥65 years) with dementia (PwD) is lacking. To be able to evaluate and develop the dementia support system for informal caregivers to PwD, a survey of European support systems and professionals involved is needed. The aim of this study was to explore support for informal caregivers to PwD in European countries.

This article explores the findings from a recent research project conducted by the Mental Health Foundation for the Alzheimer's Society. The project 'Out of the Shadows' draws out important messages for people with dementia and their carers about their preferences for care and support. The research involved a literature review, focus groups and one-to-one interviews. It investigated who they found out they had dementia, the assessment and diagnostic process, and how they coped after diagnosis.

This article outlines the benefits and challenges associated with health promotion for people with dementia and their carers. It then provides an overview of the Manchester Supporting Health Dementia Programme (MSHDP) pilot, which ran from November 2009 to March 2012. The programme provided a health check service and also aimed to improve the availability of access to health improvement opportunities. A summary of the main outcomes from the independent evaluation are provided.

This paper discusses the experiences of dementia family caregivers in Malta. The study design was essentially exploratory as this is the first funded social research on dementia in the island of Malta. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in October 2008 with 17 caregivers. Identification of caregivers was through their relatives’ attendance at a hospital based outpatient memory clinic. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and when required, phrases were translated from Maltese to English.

The number of people from minority ethnic groups who are living with dementia is rising steeply, yet awareness levels and diagnosis rates are worryingly low. An Alzheimer's Society project , The Information Programme for South Asian Families (IPSAF), which provides culturally tailored information information sessions aims to help solve this problem. The service comprises a series of face-to-face sessions which helps carers to build their understanding, knowledge and skills of dementia. An educational DVD is also provided for carers to take home and share with family members.

Aim: To explore the use of community and dementia-specific services by informal carers caring for someone with dementia in a rural setting.

Methods: Carers of people with dementia were recruited through a variety of rural community services and invited to complete a survey related to the utilisation of community services.

Although Jean Tottie had worked in health and social care for 35 years, mostly in older people's services, nothing prepared her for her caring role. She found it a huge struggle trying to get the right care at the right time for her father so that he could stay living independently at home; so much so that she did not recognise her own needs. Here is Jean's story. 

Reports on an award-winning mobile project in the West Country that uses complementary therapies to help people with dementia and their carers.