Articles by Dr Jane Gilbert
Jane has over 20 years’ experience as a health writer and TV presenter. Jane writes on a wide variety of clinical and care topics – from explaining the latest studies and research to unpacking conditions and discussing treatment options. Jane holds a MBBS degree from Imperial College, London and spent seven years working in the NHS.
The effects of Alzheimer’s on the body
Alzheimer’s disease affects the whole body, not just memory. As brain cells become damaged, the signals that control movement, balance, swallowing, and bladder function are disrupted – physical changes that can appear at any stage of the condition and become…
How does a person die from dementia?
Dementia is fatal because it progressively damages the brain’s control over the body’s vital functions, leading to complications such as pneumonia, infection, and organ failure. Unlike conditions that affect only memory, dementia is a whole-body disease that gradually impairs communication,…
Rapidly progressive dementia: What families need to know
Rapidly progressive dementia (RPD) is a rare form of dementia that advances within weeks or months rather than years, causing a rapid decline in memory, behaviour, and physical ability. While most forms of dementia develop over years, RPD progresses within…
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Palliative care at home: what families need to know
Palliative care at home is specialist support that helps people with a life-limiting illness live as well as possible in familiar surroundings, with clinical oversight and one-to-one carer support. Families are often unaware of this type of care, or they…
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Live-in care vs care home: how to decide in 2026
Choosing between live-in care and a care home is one of the most significant decisions a family will face. For most families, particularly those supporting someone with dementia, live-in care offers meaningful clinical and practical advantages. But a care home…
When should I consider live-in care?
Live-in care is worth considering when someone’s safety, nutrition, personal care, or well-being can no longer be reliably maintained without consistent, round-the-clock support. Knowing when to consider live-in care is one of the hardest questions families face. There is rarely…
Living with late-stage dementia: A practical guide for families
Living with late-stage dementia is one of the most demanding experiences a family can face. If someone you care about has reached this stage, you may be noticing significant changes in how they communicate, move around, eat, and behave. You…
The seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease: What families need to know
When someone you care about is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, one of the first questions families ask is: what happens next? Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition – but understanding how it typically develops can help you plan ahead, have the…
How heart disease affects the respiratory system
As a doctor-founded care service, we understand how heart disease affects daily life and breathing. Our clinical team regularly supports families managing these complex conditions at home. This guide explains the connection between heart and lung function, helping you recognise…
Will the council pay for live-in care?
Understanding funding for live-in care can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to support a loved one. Our guide explains when councils contribute to costs and how to access available support. Caring for someone at home raises important questions about funding.…
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