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.
How Parkinson’s Disease Progresses
Knowing how Parkinson’s progresses can help you to prepare for the future and live a happier, more independent life, for longer. Coping with Parkinson’s A diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease can be overwhelming for the individual and for those who love and care for them. However, by identifying ways to control and cope with symptoms, it is more than possible to live a fulfilling life. Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects around one in five hundred people in the United Kingdom. Parts of the brain become progressively damaged, so that the body’s ability to move deteriorates over time. It can be a frustrating and difficult condition to live with, but there are effective treatments that can maintain mobility, improve function and restore quality of life. How Parkinson’s progresses Parkinson’s disease gradually affects an area in the brain called the basal ganglia. It contains nerve cells that produce an important chemical messenger…
What are Parkinson’s Symptoms
Parkinson’s symptoms are varied, and every patient experiences them in a different way, so it’s important to be informed and vigilant. What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurological conditions in this country. Despite this, thousands of people are misdiagnosed every year, meaning that patients suffer delays in getting the treatment and support they need. Part of the problem is that everyone’s experience of Parkinson’s is different. The symptoms develop gradually and can be confused for normal ageing, so the disease can take a frustratingly long time to diagnose. How can I tell if a loved one has Parkinson’s? If you mention Parkinson’s disease, most people will picture someone with a tremor. It’s true that a tremor is common, but not everyone gets shaky. Many people may just experience a general slowing down of movement, an abnormal stiffness in the…
How are Parkinson’s and dementia related?
Dementia is a comorbidity of Parkinson’s, which means that the damage caused to the brain through Parkinson’s, can cause dementia. How are Parkinson’s and dementia related? Parkinson’s and dementia are two of the most common degenerative neurological conditions in this…
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What is Post Discharge Care
Post discharge care can help your loved one to stay safe and comfortable as they recuperate and rebuild strength, so that they can regain confidence and independence. Discharge from Hospital Being discharged from hospital is a positive step, but…
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What is Postoperative Care?
Postoperative care can improve rehabilitation and allow your loved one to live safely as they heal and regain their independence. What is postoperative care? An operation can help to combat disease, decrease pain and improve health and wellbeing. However,…
What is Disability Care?
Disability care at home is simply practical help with anything from everyday tasks like housework and bathing, to assistance with complex needs. Specially trained disability carers can be employed to come into the home and lend a hand. Good…
Help us end the stigma of dementia with Unforgettable
James Ashwell, founder of Unforgettable dementia products, spent five years caring for his mum who had early onset dementia. They were the hardest years of his life, but they gave James a passion to help others on the dementia journey. Here James explains how Unforgettable might be able to help you. Mum was in her fifties when she was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, but it wasn’t until Dad died suddenly that the full extent of her illness became clear. I quickly realised Mum couldn’t live alone, so I gave up my job in London and become her carer.I was very fortunate to have three siblings Simon, Gemma and Mark, who were prepared to help practically and financially, and we also employed professional carers when necessary. Even so, those first few months were absolute hell.Eventually, we realised that if Mum wasn’t to sit staring at the TV all day, we needed…
Changes in Behaviour that Require Specialist Live in Care
Self-neglect, accidents around the house, trouble keeping up with medications, and withdrawal and isolation could all be indicators that your loved one needs specialist live in care. Changes in behaviour that require specialist live in care When someone starts to develop dementia, their deterioration in function can be gradual. Too often, mishaps, memory lapses and near-misses can be explained away as natural and normal effects of ageing, but there can come a time when it is no longer safe to live alone. So, when you start to notice these signs in excess, it could be a time to find a specialist live in care. So how can you tell when someone you love needs live-in care? You may have known and relied on your loved one for many years, so the idea that they could be unsafe living alone can be difficult to contemplate. However, the increasing memory loss and…
Vascular dementia care at home
Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia in the UK, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain following a stroke or a series of smaller vascular events. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, it often progresses in sudden steps…
The early signs of dementia
The early signs of dementia include forgetfulness, misplacing of objects, struggling to find the right words, personality changes, and confusion. We all walk into the kitchen and forget what we came for, or misplace our keys every now and then. So, what is normal forgetfulness and what could indicate that there may be a problem? Dementia is the term for a set of symptoms that include memory lapses, difficulties thinking and solving problems, impaired communication and behavioural changes. The early signs of dementia can often be subtle to begin with, but they may gradually escalate until they can affect every aspect of daily life. Dementia can affect different people in different ways, each individual is unique. However, there are some key signs to look out for: Memory loss Forgetfulness is often a significant early sign. Dementia tends to affect short-term memory more than reminiscences from the past. So, an individual…
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